Task 6. Guidelines for Patient Release

Radiological Protection of Patients

Task 6. Providing guidelines on the release of patients after radionuclide therapy based on current recommendations of ICRP

The BSS and many national authorities apply limits to the retained activity level at which a patient may be released. These limits in theory are based on the estimated dose to any member of the public remaining below a certain effective dose. This is either 1mSv (the dose limits for a member of the public), or 5 mSv, on the basis that under ICRP and BSS recommendations, caregivers may receive higher doses than the public dose limit.

The release limits vary widely however, and take into account primarily the retained activity. ICRP recently has brought out its report ICRP 94 on this topic. IAEA is in the process of bringing out its guidelines based on the ICRP 94. It is proposed to adapt these guidelines for Member States of IAEA.

IAEA’s Inputs	Action by Member State
1. Provide ICRP 94 and prepare guidelines based on ICRP 94 2. Expert assistance for development of guidelines for the country 3. Radiation survey equipment	1. Adopt guidelines in national system 2. Communicate guidelines to hospitals 3. Organize national training programme 4. Monitor implementation

IAEA’s Inputs

Action by Member State

1. Provide ICRP 94 and prepare guidelines based on ICRP 94

2. Expert assistance for development of guidelines for the country

3. Radiation survey equipment

1. Adopt guidelines in national system

2. Communicate guidelines to hospitals

3. Organize national training programme

4. Monitor implementation

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