Radiation Safety Department

Role of radiation safety personnel

Radiation safety personnel are qualified professionals trained in the safe use and handling of radioactive materials, and are also knowledgeable about regulatory requirements. They make sure your room is properly prepared before you are given your treatment dose, and that adequate instructions are given to you and your caregivers to follow while you are in the hospital. You will also be given careful instructions to follow when you are released from the hospital to go home.

What should I expect from my health physics technologist?

A health physics technologist (HP tech) will be present before and during your dose administration. He or she will explain to you the radiation procedure and necessary precautions you should take. You are encouraged to ask any questions.

The HP tech will scan you with a survey meter after the administration of your radioiodine dose to determine the radiation level, and record the results of exposure rate measurements on a form. He or she will also measure the radiation levels around the perimeter of the room to ensure other patients and visitors are safe.

Radiation safety staff will be available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you, your nurse or your medical staff may have, relating to radiation safety, protection, regulations and other radiation related issues.

Please talk to your nurse when you want to contact Radiation Safety to ask any questions you may have.

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MedStar Washington Hospital Center

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