RADIATION DOSE ASSESSMENT TO FAMILY MEMBERS TAKING CARE OF NON-CANCEROUS THYROID PATIENTS TREATED WITH I-131 THERAPY IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE DEPARTMENT

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effective doses of caregivers taking care of non-cancerous patients treated with iodine-131 (I-131). Patients (administered 185–1110 MBq of I-131) were given specific radiation safety instructions (RSI). Afterwards, caregivers were provided with thermoluminescent (TLD) dosimeter badges to be worn for 12–28 days when taking care of the patients. At the end of this period, TLD measurements were obtained. Results showed that caregivers’ mean effective dose was 0.15 ± 0.15 mSv, which is far less than the international recommendations of 5 mSv. Furthermore, the effective doses had no significant correlation with administered I-131 activity to the patients, distance from the hospital, caregivers’ age, educational level and mode of transport. Our study showed that radiation doses received by caregivers of non-cancerous patients are higher than that of cancerous patients, nevertheless their received doses were within the international limits, thereby indicating good compliance by the caregivers to RSI.