Re: Sterilization of Ir-192 Seeds in Nylon Tubing

["James R. Green" <green@ctrvax.Vanderbilt.Edu>]

At 10:09 AM 8/29/95 -0500, you wrote:
>Has anyone ever had to sterilize nylon tubing containing Ir-192 seeds for an
>HIV positive patient?  Our Radiation Oncology dept. wants to use bleach, but
>there is concern that it will degrade the nylon.  The company who
>manufactured the seeds says that they should only use gas sterilization, but
>for several reasons this is not currently an option.
>
>Any information would be greatly appreciated.
>

I never had this situation, so, I don't know a good answer at the moment.
However, I would consult with an internal doctor or a disease specialist
regarding the biohazard problem.  I would also ask the Ir-192 vendor if they
cared if the seeds were out of their nylon strands when returned.  You may
have no other option in regards to sterilization.  However, the seeds, of
course, won't be hard to find.

James R. Green, Systems Analyst
Academic Computing and Information Services (ACIS)
Vanderbilt University, 105 Computer Ctr., Nashville, TN  37240
voice mail - (615) 343-1617, fax - (615) 343-1605 or 343-0477
office - Computer Center 024C, e-mail - green@ctrvax.vanderbilt.edu