Radiation Safety

• All temporary implant patients are hospitalized
• After implanting the patient a radiation survey of the patient and the room is made to confirm that no sources have been misplaced.
• All high activity permanent implant patients (30 mCi or greater) are
• hospitalized until the levels decay to less than 30 mCi or 10 mR/hr
• whichever is less.
• Dose rate outside the patient's room cannot exceed 2 mrem/hr.
• Safety instructions must be provided to all personnel who are caring forthe patient.
• Time, distance and shielding are employed to limit personal and visitor dose.
• With removal of sources the patient must be surveyed to verify that all sources were removed.
• An inventory describing the number of sources removed and the number of sources returned to the safe must be performed.

There are additional requirements for 1-131

• Contaminated linens and disposable food trays must be collected and stored for radioactive decay because the patient's secretions are radioactive.
• Patient's vomit within the first 24 hours after administration can pose a radiation problem.
• Room must be decontaminated after patient's discharge.
• Patient must be provided with radiation safety guidelines that will help keep radiation dose to household members and public as low as achievable.
• Thyroid bioassay of all personnel involved in the procedure must be performed within 72 hours after administration of the isotope.
• Thyroid assays are performed using a Nal crystal detector positioned close to the thyroid.

Requirements for P-32

• Not extensive because is it only a beta emitter.
• Must be careful of the injection site for drainage, for a wet dressing can indicate contamination of the site, patient's gown and bed linen.
• One can receive an excessive dose to the hands from handing the contaminated items.

With 1-131 and P-32 there is always a chance of a spill, THEREFORE you should:

• Throw absorbent paper, such as hospital chuxs, on the spill.
• Warn others not to enter the area of the spill.
• Notify the radiation safety officer.