Iodine-125 seed implant discharge instructions

["Engelbretson, David" <DEngelbretson@tmh.tmc.edu>]

Dear Colleagues,

Our radiation therapy department is currently using Iodine-125 discharge
instructions that state  "Persons under 45 years of age (children and
pregnant women included) should remain at least 9 feet away except for a few
minutes per day".  These instructions were developed years ago.

We are currently reviewing this discharge information and revision is under
consideration.   Even though I-125 has a 60 day half life,  we think 9 feet
is a bit excessive for the small amounts we use for brachytherapy.

 What instructions/ precautions are other  facilities using ?

This particular precaution was from NCRP report No. 37,  chapter 4.1.2.
This report was issued in 1970 and reprinted in 1973.

Thank you for your help.

David Enhgelbretson, MS
Asst. RSO
Methodist Hospital
Houston, Texas