2017 Volume 3 Issue 1 Pages 197-199
The most common form of spill of radioactive liquids in Nuclear Cardiology facilities occur in conjunction with exercise tests during rapid injection of a bolus of activity through an indwelling intravenous line and stop-cock mechanism. While minor spills are those involving 3.7 MBq or less of activity, most Nuclear Cardiology stress tests employ considerably larger amounts of radioactivity and produce major spills requiring a methodical response in order to limit radiation dose to patients and occupationally exposed radiation workers. Following a major spill the recommended procedure is to seal off the contaminated area until safe levels of radiation exposure survey meter readings are reached, considered to be less than 1 mR/hr. Diligent adherence to a quality assurance program schedule is necessary in order to guarantee that radiation measuring equipment is operating reliably. By following reasonable precautions and with adequate training of personnel, the majority of major radiation spills encountered in Nuclear Cardiology laboratories are easily avoidable.
