Management and autopsy of a radioactive cadaver

A 69 year old male was treated with an ablative dose of 3.7 GBq (100 mCi) of I131 for carcinoma of the thyroid and died 10 days after administration. The requirement for an autopsy and the level of radiation still present in the body necessitated the intervention of Radiation Safety Personnel to minimise support staff radiation exposure and area contamination. Preventative measures were taken in accordance with the ALARA principle and a detailed procedure is presented as a suggested model for any future occurrence.