Investigation on the radiation of 131I in treatment site of a grade A tertiary hospital / 中国辐射卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective To detect the radiation of 131I in treatment site of a grade A tertiary hospital. Methods A total of 25 patients with thyroid cancer were administrated 131I at a total dose of 82880 MBq. After administration, the ambient dose equivalent rate of the ward was detected with X- and γ-ray detectors. After patient discharge, surface contamination of the ward was detected with α/β surface contamination meter. During patient hospitalization and on the day of discharge, air samples were collected from 131I treatment site and office area. The air samples were measured using a HPGe γ-ray spectrometer and the concentration of 131I in air was calculated. Results The ambient dose equivalent rate in the ward ranged from 0.15 to 0.46 μSv/h. Before ward cleaning, surface contamination ranged from 0.53 to 40.1 Bq/cm2 and the highest value was recorded on the toilet. Within 4 h after administration, the concentrations of 131I in air in treatment site and the corridor of the office area were 1.74 Bq/m3 and 0.66 Bq/m3, respectively. The ventilation air flow rate in the treatment site was 0.50 m/s. Ventilation decreased the concentration of 131I in air by 29.7%, 79.7%, and 53.3% compared with the previous day during hospitalization and on the day of discharge. Conclusion The radiation of external exposure of 131I in the treatment site is low and the shielding is effective. Before ward cleaning, the surface contamination is lower than the required limits except for the toilet. Ventilation is the primary way to reduce the concentration of 131I in air.