The University of Michigan Medical Center

The University of Michigan Medical Center Radiology Department – Division of Nuclear Medicine

I-131 NaI Postthyroidectomy Therapy (Therapy B)

Patient Instructions – Reducing External Exposure

Dear Patient,

The main source of radiation exposure to other individuals from the radioactive medicine remaining in your body is from radiation given off as the medicine changes to a non-radioactive form. The radiation is similar to an x-ray. The number of “x-rays” emitted will decrease with time and eventually will be gone. You can reduce the exposure of other individuals by increasing the distance from them and decreasing the time spent close to them.

Observing the following precautions for the days listed will help reduce the exposure of others.

Instructions

mCi <33 50-100 100-150 150-200 To reduce the external exposure of others, you shall: Days (Check Correct Column)

- Sleep in a separate bed (≈ 7 foot separation) 2 - 3 3 - 4 4 - 5 5 - 6

- Avoid prolonged close contact with children and pregnant women 2 - 3 3 - 4 4 - 5 5 - 6

- Maintain a prudent distance from others (≈ 3 feet) 2 2 - 3 3 - 4 4

- Drink plenty of liquids (e.g. water and juices) 2 2 2 2

- Delay return to work 1 1 - 2 2 - 3 3

- Limit time spent in public places 1 1 - 2 2 - 3 3

- Limit private travel (≈ 3 foot separation) (> 2 hour trip) 0 1 1 - 2 2 - 3

- Do not travel by airplane or mass transportation 1 1 - 2 2 3

- Do not travel on a prolonged automobile trip with others 1 2 - 3 3 - 4 4

- Hold clothing and linen before laundering and launder 2 - 3 3 - 4 4 - 5 5 - 6 separately from rest of household laundry.

02777f62427956454ab402a49cc31b7e.doc The University of Michigan Medical Center Radiology Department – Division of Nuclear Medicine

I-131 NaI Hyperthyroid Therapy (Therapy A and B)

Patient Instructions – Internal Exposure

All Patients

Dear Patient, A small amount of the radioactive medicine that you have received can potentially be transferred to other individuals. The radiation exposure is low, however, observing the following precautions for 2-3 days will help reduce it even more.

Instructions

To reduce internal exposure of other individuals, you should:

- Avoid mouth-to-mouth contact

- Not share items that contact the mouth (e.g., toothbrushes and eating utensils)

- Use separate or disposable eating utensils and wash them separately

- Use a separate bathroom, if possible. Keep the toilet especially clean. Flush it two or three times after each use. Keep small children away from the toilet area. Men should also sit during urination.

- Shower and wash hands (especially after using toilet) frequently

- Use separate towels and washcloths

If you have any questions please contact ______at ______.

02777f62427956454ab402a49cc31b7e.doc