Nuclear Cardiology: Nuclear Cardiology:

Chapter 3 / Radiation Safety 33Table 3-2Recommended Policies for Radiation SafetyMolybdenum-99 check (only in laboratories that elute technetium-99mgenerators)Dose calibrator daily constancy checkRadioactive package receiptDaily survey of trash and work areasWeekly wipe test of all work areasRadioactive spill containment and decontaminationDisposal and storage of radioactive hot trashAccuracy and linearity testing of dose calibratorCalibration of survey meteruser if there is a calibration problem. The RSO can set the limits foracceptable measurements.Radioactive Package ReceiptAll radioactive packages must be surveyed and undergo wipe testsprior to opening to ensure that the package is not contaminated. It is alsoa good idea to do a wipe test of the lead container inside the package tomake sure that it is not contaminated. A written policy describing aprotocol for receiving and handling of radioisotopes should be present.The written policy should state what to do in the event the package iscontaminated.Daily Survey of Trash and Work AreasAt the end of each day all trash, linen carts, and work areas should besurveyed to detect any radioactive spills that may have occurred. Anywork surfaces found to be contaminated should be cleaned according tothe radioactive spill policy and then resurveyed. If the area is still contaminated,it may need to be sealed off and resurveyed in the morningprior to use. Any trash or linen found to be contaminated should be heldfor decay following local hot trash policy. A log of the daily surveysshould be kept on hand.Weekly Wipe Test of all Work AreasEach week all work areas (i.e., counters and adjacent floor whereradiotracers are placed or used, treadmills, and so forth) where contaminationis possible should be wipe tested. Any areas found to be contaminatedshould be cleaned in accordance with the radioactive spill policyand then rewiped. If the area is still contaminated, it may need to besealed off and rewiped in the morning prior to use.