If a patient dies with internally deposited radioactive material from a therapeutic treatment:
- If the radioactive material in the patient is a temporary sealed source implant, the sources shall be removed prior to the decedent being transported to the hospital morgue. A survey by the medical physicist or Health physicist shall be done to assure that no sources remain in the body or in the room.
- If the radioactive material is in an unsealed form or a permanent sealed source implant, the attending physician shall tag the body with a radioactive materials tag stating the estimated amount and type of radionuclide in the body. Health Physics shall provide the necessary radiation safety consultation.
- An autopsy or other invasive procedure shall not be performed until the Health Physics Radiation Safety Officer or designated representative has met with the appropriate physician(s) and determined the best radiation safety procedures and contamination control measures.
