Radioactive iodine (¹³¹I) is usually administered orally to the patient. The iodine concentrates in the patient’s thyroid. However, iodine will also be eliminated from the patient via the urine, perspiration and other body excreta within the first 48 hours. Radioactivity remaining in the body after 48 hours is located primarily in the patient’s thyroid.

Prior to any administration of radioiodine, an Authorized User physician shall date and sign a written directive and a treatment plan for the procedure. The written directive shall include the patient’s name, treatment site, radiopharmaceutical, and prescribed dose.

10 Code of Federal Regulations 35.75

Patients who cannot be released under the conditions of 10 CFR 35.75 shall be admitted and provided a private room with shielding in the walls (e.g., F040, C319) and with private bathroom facilities.

Contamination

The floor and any objects the patient is likely to touch must be covered with plastic or other protective material to prevent contamination. After notification from the nuclear medicine physician, the Environmental Health and Safety hazardous waste technician will prepare the room prior to the administration of the radioiodine.

Universal/Standard Precautions Provide Safety

Fluids from the patient’s body will contaminate linen, bed clothes, and much of what the patient touches. The major routes of potential intake are passage through skin and ingestion. For example, if you were to touch a surface contaminated with radioactivity, your fingers could transfer radioactivity to your mouth. Because of the potential for contamination, universal/standard precautions are required and effective for attending personnel (for example, a gown, shoe covers, and gloves).

Patient Instructions

Patients will receive the following instructions:

1. You are restricted to your room.
2. You must use disposable eating utensils. These utensils should be placed in the special waste container after use.
3. You should flush the toilet two or three times after each use. This will insure that all radioactive urine is washed from the toilet bowl.
4. Both male and female patients must sit down on the toilet to prevent urine splatter.
5. Adult family visitors are encouraged but avoid physical contact with visitors.

Note: Adult visitors should typically remain 3 feet or more away from the patient.

Room Surveys

Before the patient’s room can be reassigned to another patient, the hazardous waste technician shall survey the room for contamination and remove all radioactive waste. The room will be decontaminated if necessary.