CDH Nuclear Medicine Patient radiation safety instructions

Radiation safety instructions

Welcome to the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) Radiation Safety Booklet! Our hospital, located on Nationalist Road, Lusaka, is home to Zambia's only Nuclear Medicine therapy Unit at the time of writing this booklet. We have world-class facilities and eight specialized rooms to ensure your safety during your stay. Our highly trained staff will take care of you, and you can contact the unit head, Dr. Kabunda, at 0974978807 if you have any concerns. We will do our best to make you feel comfortable during your stay.

Radioiodine Treatment: Basic Instructions

Radioiodine is a treatment for thyroid problems. It is safe but needs some care. It stays in your body for a short time and leaves through urine, saliva, sweat, and bowel movements.

To protect others from radiation:

1. First 8 hours:

• Drink water every hour.

• Use the toilet when needed.

• Keep 3 feet away from people.

• Drive alone if possible.

2. First two days:

• Don't share cups, plates, or towels.

• Flush toilet twice and clean the sink.

• Wash your clothes that have urine or sweat.

3. First week:

• Have someone else care for young children.

• Sleep alone for 7 days.

• Keep 3 feet away from pregnant women and children under 18.

• Avoid crowded places.

If breastfeeding:

• Stop breastfeeding before treatment and don't breastfeed the current child after treatment.

If pregnant:

• Don't have radioiodine treatment.

• Wait 6 months after treatment before getting pregnant.

Other things to know:

• Radiation may trigger alarms in some places for 3 months after treatment. Ask your doctor for advice and a letter explaining your treatment.

• Ask your doctor how to dispose of items with lots of urine, saliva, or blood.

We hope this information helps you during your stay at CDH. Please follow these guidelines and reach out to our staff if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to support you!