Radiation Protection Guidelines for radioactive Iodine

S Cowley

Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, Horfield Rd, Bristol, BS2 8ED

Endocrine Nurses Training Course 9-11 September 2004
Wills Hall, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 1AE

An overview of the guidelines following treatment with Radioactive Iodine for both thyrotoxicosis and Cancer of the thyroid will be discussed.

An outline of the basic properties of Radio-Iodine will be discussed along with its’ method of administration. A detailed explanation will be given of the radiation precautions discussed with patients for each of the two standard doses used to treat thyrotoxicosis and goitres. This will emphasise the way that precautions are tailored to each individual’s circumstances and lifestyles. The importance of excluding any possibility of pregnancy will also be covered.

Ablative doses for cancer of the thyroid will be discussed, including pre-treatment advice, and a summary of the patient pathway, with emphasis on the isolation procedures in place to protect staff working in this area. Some gamma camera scan images will demonstrate treatment results following ablative therapy, showing pre- and post-treatment scans of the neck, and whole body.

The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Society