Safety devices for delivery of radioactive iodine

For clinical applications, liquid 131I is more cost-effective and flexible than capsules for diagnostic and therapeutic dosing of the thyroid gland. However, the liquid is potentially a contamination hazard because of possible spilling by a patient or staff member. The objective of this study was to design a safety system for delivering therapeutic doses of liquid 131I that would not only minimize potential contamination spill hazards but also reduce radiation exposure to patients and staff during the therapeutic dosing process. A plastic vial with a secured top and tube to allow drinking was placed in a lead container with a screw-on lid. A dosing tray holds the lead-encased vial directly in front of the patient, further reducing the risk of spillage. The tray has a peripheral lip to contain any liquid that might spill. This height-adjustable tray is temporarily fastened to the chair's armrest. After the dose is administered, 20 mL of distilled water is injected into the shielded vial through a 1.5-mm orifice in the cap. The orifice is a vent to eliminate any vacuum created while drinking. The water rinses the vial so the patient receives the entire dose after the second drink. Our shielded spill-proof safety cup effectively seals the contents, reducing the risk of spillage and minimizing radiation exposure to patients and staff. Impact testing demonstrated only minimal leakage when the cup was dropped from a 1-m height. Our shielded cup and tray assembly could be implemented efficiently and economically into the clinical setting with minimal expense.