Radiation Exposure Levels in Relatives of Patients after Radioiodine Therapy

Abstract

Objective – To assess whether the level of radioactivity received by relatives of patients treated with radioiodine (131I) is low enough to allow the patients leave the hospital earlier, thus reducing their hospital stay. Method – Forty seven relatives of thyrotoxic patients and 23 relatives of thyroid cancer patients treated with 131I therapy were monitored for 7 days for radiation after discharging the patients at 30 MBq residual 131I. Results – The doses measured in spouses and children were less than 1 mSv except for one child who received 1.46 mSv. Conclusion – In view of the low radiation doses received by the relatives, regulations could be made less stringent, thus reducing the hospital stay of the patients.