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Answer to Question #7840 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Nuclear Medicine Patient Issues — Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
For treatment of papillary thyroid cancer, I received a dose of 150 millicuries of iodine-131 to destroy the thyroid tissue that remained after surgery. The doctor sent me home right away and told me that for the first two days I should keep a distance of about one body length away from others, sleep alone, and use my own bathroom. After I came home on the day of my iodine-131 treatment, I spent much of the day watching TV with my wife, who sat at the other end of the room (about 10 feet away). At one point, while talking on my phone, I accidentally walked within two feet of her without thinking, then backed away. My questions are (1) Is this level of exposure okay? and (2) What are the possible consequences for someone who is exposed to an iodine-131 patient?
A
Walking within two feet of your wife exposed her to very little radiation, even on the first day after receiving your therapy, and there will be no consequences to her from that brief exposure. The "extra" radiation exposure to your wife was much less than the amount of exposure we get from one day of living on the earth. (See an explanation of radiation exposures on our Web site.) So you and your wife should not be concerned about that very brief exposure as you walked by her. You sound like you are a very compliant patient and take your doctor's orders seriously. That is very good for you and your family. It is easy to forget for a moment and not follow it to the letter. In this case, there will be no harm done.
Answer posted on 13 October 2008. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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