Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the patterns of radiation exposure of contacts of Sudanese patients treated with radioactive 131I on an out-patient basis and post discharge after high dose 131I therapy, and also to compare the family members׳ results with dose constraints proposed by the European Commission (EC). Thermoluminiscent dosimeters (Model TLD-100H) were used to estimate the effective doses for 40 family members of fifteen patients treated with 131I. The family members wore a TLD in front of the chest for 10 days. The effective dose ranged from 0.23 to 6.74mSv (mean 1.75mSv). These findings may be considered when establishing new national guidelines concerning radiation protection and release of patients after a treatment with radioiodine therapy.
•We model one hospital which cover about 90% of ablative radioiodine therapy.•We study the effective doses for family members of 131I outpatients.•We report the highest values of contaminated surfaces in bedrooms and bathrooms.•We report the necessity to formulate new instructions for hyperthyroid out-patients.