Radiation Safety PwrPt

It is the temporary implant of low dose rate brachytherapy seed to localize one or many

non-palpable lesion.

I-125 adsorbed onto silver, encased in titanium

Half-life of I-125 is 60 days

No contamination issues as long as not damaged or casing breached.

No significant dose to those handling seeds if handled properly

No dosimeters required Studies have shown no increase in physician or

technologist exposure

Patient comfort Flexibility in SX appt 5 day limit

Agreement State Under the agreement of the United States

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Radioactive material is regulated by the

Virginia Department of Health

Authorized Users Regulatory training and experience

requirements Approved by UVA Radiation Safety

Committee Lead RadioSeed Techonologist

RadioSeed Technologist

Vendor

RadioSeed Technologist

Breast Care Center

Package is Checked in

Inventory is created for new seeds

Radiation Safety Department

Package is Checked in

Inventory is created for new seeds

Needs

Preoperative blood work Sx date scheduled Written Directive Patient Records/Consent

Form

Needs

Copy of Procedure Survey Instrument Emergency response

equipment/numbers Decay chart Seed needle Local Anesthetic

Precautions

ALARA Needle Stick Losing seed Not identifying pt has

seed Survey Instrument

malfunction

Precautions

Never MRI Can’t leave room until

seed location is confirmed in breast

Lymphoscintigraphy Security

Patient Consent Patient identity is verified Doors are locked Patient is positioned under stereotactic paddle/US Written Directive

Images taken Determination of needle length and activity

determined Technologist retrieves seed from locked cabinet

security maintained on remaining seeds Seed is logged out of inventory

Time out performed Survey of needle with survey instrument done to

confirm seed is present Needle is positioned Seed is placed

Confirmation that seed was placed successfully in breast is done with survey instrument

Technologist will write “SEED” directly on patients breast that contains seed. As well as number of seeds placed

Patient given marker to take home to maintain this marking

Post placement images taken Green armband is placed Patient given mammogram images documenting

placement Localization report completed AU signs post procedural section of WD

WhenWhen

HowHow

Where do the seeds end up?Where do the seeds end up?