Measurement of Radiation Exposure to Caregivers of Patients with Thyroid Diseases Treated with Iodine-131: A Review

Abstract

This review paper aimed to examine radiation safety issues related to relatives as well as caregivers of patients with thyroid diseases treated with radioiodine (I-131). During I-131 therapy for thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism, patients receiving I-131 doses (200-800 MBq) emit radioactive radiations which pose a prospective risk to other people. Critical groups are patients’ visitors and families, especially children. Following the updated international guidelines, the doses received by members of the public as a proportion of the therapy of a patient have been decreased. The public annual dose limits are 1 mSv, although higher doses are permitted for adults in the patient’s family, provided that the maximum 5 mSv is not surpassed for 5 years. Without compliance with the current recommendations, extended hospitalizations for patients are essential. Family members should therefore limit close interactions with an individual for some duration following thyroid therapy with I-131.

Analysis of Radiation Exposure Level on Linen and Other Objects in Patient Rooms at Nuclear Medicine Installation

“…Gamma emitters are used for disease detection, while beta emitters are used as cell destroyers with the ability to penetrate tissues with a thickness of 0.8 mm [16]. Hence, higher doses of radioiodine are sometimes less perilous compared to lower doses, since they will, in general, eliminate tissues that would, in one way or another, become malignant owing to radiation [17].…”