Re: I-131 MCA Patient Room Decon

[Ben Vandre <bvandre@post.its.mcw.edu>]

A trick I learned from Bob Black RSO at the VA in Milwaukee WI, I can't take
credit, is to pour a KI solution down the sink prior to treatment.  This
will prevent some of the radioactive iodine from getting caught in the trap.

I have few ideas why this works but I am not exactly sure.  It may be the
microorganism in the trap or a simple ionic thing.  Regardless it works.

Since Mr. Black doesn't have e-mail and is retiring soon, he probably
doesn't want to be bothered.  So, if anyone out there wants to know why this
works e-mail me and I'll ask him.


Ben Vandre
Radiation Safety Specialist
Medical College of Wisconsin
bvandre@post.its.mcw.edu


At 08:31 AM 2/13/96 -0600, you wrote:
>Our patient load has increased to the point to where we are seeking ways 
>to radiologically release our treatment rooms faster after the patient 
>has been released. We are primarily having problems with the toilet and 
>sink traps. We advise the patient to flush the toilet 3 times after use 
>and to rinse the sink for 30-45 seconds after use.We currently allow 
>Chlorox to remain in the bowl overnight. Is there any other methods we 
>might try or is anyone out there using any chemical means to expedite 
>cleanup. We currently allow Chlorox to remain in the bowl overnight.
>Mark E. Campbell
>Health Physicist Supervisor
>Radiation Safety Division
>University of Alabama at Birmingham
>445 Community Health Services Building
>933 South 19th Street
>Birmingham, AL. 35294-2041
>(205) 934-9345 - FAX (205) 934-7487
>
>