Institutional Experience of Routine Radiation Surveillance of Delay and Decay Tanks Facility in a Department Having High-dose Iodine Therapy Unit.

Abstract

Background: Radioactive solid and liquid waste generated by patients after high-dose iodine therapy may lead to significant radiation exposure if not properly handled.

Aims and objectives: This study was conducted to monitor the radiation exposure along the sewerage drainage system of the high-dose iodine therapy ward and to rule out leakage if any, that might pose a potential radiation hazard to the general public (sewerage workers) and radiation health professional.

Materials and methods: The sewerage drainage system from isolation wards has multiple gate valves to regulate sewerage flow from the high-dose iodine therapy ward into delay and decay tanks (DDT) built, especially for the purpose. Radiation surveillance was done using a Geiger-Muller counter-based survey meter at 11 different locations on a weekly basis for 12 weeks.

Results: A total of 26 patients underwent high-dose iodine ablation therapy during the study period in our department, with the highest recorded radiation exposure rate in the sewerage draining system in the 9^th week of patient admission. This was at the common gate valve junction (location B) that directed sewerage waste from all four isolation rooms into the common pipeline leading to DDT. Minimal radiation exposure was recorded within Atomic Energy Regulatory Board -prescribed limits with no evidence of leakage.

Conclusion: A routine radiation survey is an important component of overall radiation safety in the nuclear medicine department, including sewerage delay tank facilities, which helps keep the radiation exposure to acceptable levels by identifying timely leakage.