What precautions should be taken after radioactive iodine?
| Instructions to reduce exposure to others after I-131 RAI treatment | |
|---|---|
| Action | Duration (Days) |
| Do not share utensils with others | 2-3 |
| Sit to urinate and flush the toilet 2-3 times after use | 2-3 |
| Sleep in a separate bed (~6 feet of separation) from pregnant partner, child or infant | 6-23* |
Can you be around someone who has had radioactive iodine?
Keep Your Distance Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI treatment: Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days.
Can you touch things after radioactive iodine?
Radioiodine will transfer to anything that you handle or that contacts your skin, such as bed linens or eating utensils. It is for this reason that you will use disposable eating utensils. It is also why we request that you avoid bringing personal items to the hospital room during treatment.
Which of the following is a safe and appropriate way to handle radioactive materials?
When handling radioactive materials, always wear the appropriate protective clothing:
- wear a lab coat.
- always wear gloves when handling radioactive substances.
- wear shoe covers in rooms where the floor may be contaminated.
- keep personal items such as handbags, etc., outside the lab.
What to do after treating Rai?
After Your Radioactive Iodine Treatment
- Drink lots of liquids.
- Your urine will be radioactive so urinate as much as you can to empty your bladder.
- Your bowel movements (poop) will also be radioactive.
- Some people have a dry mouth after treatment.
- Call your nurse if you have any problems, such as nausea or stomach pain.
Why do I need to isolate after Rai?
Why do I have to be isolated once I receive the RAI Treatment? The Canadian government mandates strict radiation safety precautions to ensure that members of the public are not exposed to significant amounts of radiation.
Why do I have to isolate after radioactive iodine treatment?
Your body will give off radiation for some time after you get RAI therapy. Depending on the dose of radioiodine used and where you are being treated, you might need to be in the hospital for a few days after treatment, staying in a special isolation room to prevent others from being exposed to radiation.
What happens if you touch a radioactive person?
Initial symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache and diarrhoea. These symptoms can start within minutes or days after the exposure. People who have been exposed to high doses can also have skin damage ranging from itching to burns, blisters and ulcers. They may also have temporary hair loss.
How long does radioactive iodine stay on surfaces?
So the general rule of thumb is that after three months, all of the radioactivity is gone.
How do you clean after Rai?
Personal clothing, sheets, bedding, washcloths, and towels should be collected and washed separately for the first 48 hours. After washing, run the washing machine through an extra wash cycle to clear out any residual radioiodine before using it for others.
What precautions should be taken when handling radioactive materials?
What are the dangers of radioactive iodine?
Radioactive iodine treatment can affect the bone marrow. This can cause a small drop in the number of blood cells. This usually doesn’t last long and should cause no problems. As well as radioactive iodine you might have external radiotherapy if the cancer has spread to the bones.
What to expect after radioactive iodine treatment?
Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman’s ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment. Many doctors recommend that women avoid becoming pregnant for 6 months to a year after treatment. No ill effects have been noted in the children born to parents who received radioactive iodine in the past.
What are the risks of radioactive iodine treatment?
The risks from radioactive iodine treatment include: Metallic taste in your mouth. Dry mouth. Sore throat. Neck pain. Radioactive iodine treatment can make your neck swell up or hurt. Nausea or vomiting, which is usually mild. Constipation or diarrhea.
Will iodine protect you from radiation?
Iodine is often used to protect the thyroid from the effects of radiation – as we were clearly reminded during the nuclear disaster at Fukushima in 2011. While iodine protects against radiation poisoning of the thyroid, its radioactive state has also proven a useful emergency medical tool.