radiation safety pwrpt
TRANSCRIPT
It is the temporary implant of low dose rate brachytherapy seed to localize one or many
non-palpable lesion.
I-125 adsorbed onto silver, encased in titanium
Half-life of I-125 is 60 days
No contamination issues as long as not damaged or casing breached.
No significant dose to those handling seeds if handled properly
No dosimeters required Studies have shown no increase in physician or
technologist exposure
Patient comfort Flexibility in SX appt 5 day limit
Agreement State Under the agreement of the United States
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Radioactive material is regulated by the
Virginia Department of Health
Authorized Users Regulatory training and experience
requirements Approved by UVA Radiation Safety
Committee Lead RadioSeed Techonologist
RadioSeed Technologist
Vendor
RadioSeed Technologist
Breast Care Center
Package is Checked in
Inventory is created for new seeds
Radiation Safety Department
Package is Checked in
Inventory is created for new seeds
Needs
Preoperative blood work Sx date scheduled Written Directive Patient Records/Consent
Form
Needs
Copy of Procedure Survey Instrument Emergency response
equipment/numbers Decay chart Seed needle Local Anesthetic
Precautions
ALARA Needle Stick Losing seed Not identifying pt has
seed Survey Instrument
malfunction
Precautions
Never MRI Can’t leave room until
seed location is confirmed in breast
Lymphoscintigraphy Security
Patient Consent Patient identity is verified Doors are locked Patient is positioned under stereotactic paddle/US Written Directive
Images taken Determination of needle length and activity
determined Technologist retrieves seed from locked cabinet
security maintained on remaining seeds Seed is logged out of inventory
Time out performed Survey of needle with survey instrument done to
confirm seed is present Needle is positioned Seed is placed
Confirmation that seed was placed successfully in breast is done with survey instrument
Technologist will write “SEED” directly on patients breast that contains seed. As well as number of seeds placed
Patient given marker to take home to maintain this marking
Post placement images taken Green armband is placed Patient given mammogram images documenting
placement Localization report completed AU signs post procedural section of WD
WhenWhen
HowHow
Where do the seeds end up?Where do the seeds end up?
