I-131 Contamination Prevention

["John J. Sadler" <jj.sadler@baylordallas.edu>]

To revive an old topic, I have a question on one of the methods some 
radsafers mentioned.  Until I actually went thru some dry runs with 
nucmed techs preparing rooms for patients with therapy doses of I-131, 
some questions I didn't question the procedures.  I have one now.  Some 
of you placed a trashbag over the toilet and cut a hole in the bag 
letting it barely touch the water.  With the water from the flush flowing 
between the toilet and the bag, it would seem to get a tad "schtinky" on 
the bag after a patient has a bowel movement.  The techs were also none 
to pleased at this prospect and I got several pleading glances my way.  
So I ask:
	1.  Has this occurred with anyone?
	2.  How did you dispose of the plastic bag?  Biohazard, no doubt?
	3.  Since it is patient waste, if contaminated does it have to be 
stored for decay or not?

Thanks in advance for any clarification on this.  E-mail me directly at 
jj.sadler@baylordallas.edu.

Should any of you have a weak tummy and have read this over lunch, sorry 
and Bon Appetite'.

JJ

John J. Sadler
Medical Physics
Baylor University Medical Center - Dallas
3500 Gaston Avenue  H-0539
Dallas, TX  75246     (214)820-8516
jj.sadler@baylordallas.edu  --or--  jjsadler@aol.com
Ask not what your country can do for you, move your pooter and do it 
yourself!!!!