Section II: Radiation
Safety Guidelines for the
Human Use of
Radionuclides.
1: Radiation Safety
Program
Responsibilities
Authorization
Nursing Procedures
Use of Radiation
Sources
2: Procedures and Nursing Instructions
General Procedures
Brachythrapy
Radiopharmaceutical
Therapy
Appendix A
Emergency Procedures
Radiation Safety Call
List
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Biological
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Chemical
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EHOS |
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Fire
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Radiation
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CHAPTER TWO
PROCEDURES AND NURSING INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL PROCEDURES
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation of radioactive sources from the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center to one of the affiliated hospitals in a vehicle on public roads must be performed by Radiation Safety personnel with the sources secured in a Department of Transportation approved container and properly labeled. Transportation to the VA Medical Center, University Hospital or Medical College of Georgia Hospital may be performed on foot by either the physician, physicist or technician (a physician should be accompanied by a physicist or technician).
INSTRUCTIONS TO PATIENTS
The physician administering a radiopharmaceutical or permanent implant must provide the patient with written and oral radiation safety guidance that will help to keep radiation dose to household members and the public as low as reasonably achievable.
RECORDS
The following information should be entered into the patient’s chart:
1. Date and time of administration
2. Radionuclide and activity administered
3. Name and emergency number of physician responsible for administration
4. Results of initial exposure rate measurements 1 meter from patient
5. Removal date and results of final exposure rate measurements 1 meter from patient
(permanent implant or radiopharmaceutical administration).
6. Name(s) of person(s) performing exposure rate measurements
7. Radiation precaution restrictions, if any, for patient when released
8. Name and emergency number of the Radiation Safety Officer.
The following information should be recorded for Radiation Safety Office files:
1. All the above information
2. Results of all exposure rate measurements 1 meter from patient
3. Results of initial exposure rate measurements in adjacent areas
4. Number of sources removed and results of final exposure rate survey of room (temporary
implants)
5. Calibration information
6. Leak test results (sealed sources)
7. Storage and disposal information for contaminated articles, unused seeds, etc.
SIGNS
Signs and labels as described in this guide must be placed on the patient’s chart and the door to the room. The information on these signs must include radionuclide, activity, date of administration, exposure rate at one meter, and instructions to nurses and visitors.
SURVEYS
The initial exposure rate one meter from the patient must be measured and recorded. Exposure rates in adjacent areas should be measured. The exposure rates in unrestricted areas must be such that no individual could receive a dose greater than 2 mrems in any one hour and no member of the public will receive greater than 100 mrems in a year.