How do you wash clothes after radioactive iodine treatment?
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.
Why is iodine-131 used in radiotherapy?
Iodine-131 (I-131) is a radioactive material produced in a nuclear reactor that supplies medical isotopes for nuclear medicine procedures. At high, therapeutic doses the radioisotope can be injected intravenously to effectively penetrate and destroy tumor tissues with localized radiation.
How do you clean a room after radioactive iodine treatment?
The iodine-131 will wash out in the laundry. Vacuuming will pick up hair that is shed, which will have small amounts of radioactivity in it since our heads also sweat. The conservative approach would be to cover the chair with a sheet.
What radiation does I 131 emit?
Radioactive Iodine The 131I isotope has a half-life of 8 days and emits γ radiation and β particles. Given orally, it is concentrated in the thyroid, where the β particles destroy the gland.
What is the half life of iodine 131?
Because of its relatively short half-life (eight days), iodine-131 is probably not the most hazardous fallout isotope; yet, excessive amounts of radiation from…
How long do you have to stay isolated after radioactive iodine?
You are also required to self isolate for 7 days after your radioiodine treatment in order to minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19 whilst there is still a large amount of radioactivity in your body. A small proportion of people with COVID-19 may become very unwell and require admission to hospital.
Why is iodine 131 harmful to our bodies?
Once inside the body, I-131 will be absorbed by the thyroid gland exposing it to radiation and potentially increasing the risk for thyroid cancer or other thyroid problems.
How can I clean my after I 131 treatment?
First two days:
- Do not share cups, glasses, plates or eating utensils. Wash items promptly after using.
- Do not share towels or washcloths.
- Flush the toilet twice and rinse the sink and tub after use.
- Wash your towels, bed linens, underwear, and any clothing stained with urine or sweat.
How is iodine-131 detected?
Iodine-131 is used for unsealed source radiotherapy in nuclear medicine to treat several conditions. It can also be detected by gamma cameras for diagnostic imaging, however it is rarely administered for diagnostic purposes only, imaging will normally be done following a therapeutic dose.
What does iodine-131 do to the body?
I-131 is a radioactive iodine salt that alters the mechanism of iodine absorption in the thyroid gland. Its use is particularly useful in the destruction of cells in the thyroid gland that are overactive. It can also be used in diagnostic imaging techniques used for pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma.