Patient Info Following Iodine Therapy

[plott001@mc.duke.edu]

     Greetings, Radsafers!
     
     I was asked recently to develop better guidelines for patients who are 
     released following therapy treatments -- although this includes 
     patients with permanent implants, I'm focusing primarily on 
     radioiodine at this time.
     
     I've seen the pamphlet from the Society of Nuclear Medicine.  There's 
     a section called "A checklist for you and your doctor..." and this is 
     where I need help.  For example, how long should the patient sleep 
     alone?  How long should the patient minimize time spent with pregnant 
     women and young children?  How long should the patient use separate or 
     disposable eating utensils?  We've had patients that want to know the 
     specific number of days for each of our recommendations!
     
     Could someone please point me in the direction of a good reference?
     
     Many thanks!
     Carmine
     
     
     Carmine M. Plott, Ph.D.
     Director, Radiation Safety
     Duke University Medical Center
     Box 3155
     Durham, NC  27710
     Telephone:  919-684-2194
     Pager:  919-970-2591
     FAX:  919-684-2422
     E-mail:  plott001@mc.duke.edu