Radiation Protection Instructions For Y-90
What is Yttrium 90 (Y-90) treatment?
Radioembolization is a minimally invasive method where it combines embolization and radiation therapy to treat liver cancer. Radioactive microspheres are administered through a catheter into the blood vessel supplying the tumor. This treatment delivers high radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing radiation exposure to normal liver parenchyma.
As you will receive a radioactive medicine, your doctor will explain how to get ready and give you instructions related to the surgery and radiation Protection measures after therapy.
Radiation protection instructions at home:
It is advisable to follow these guidelines for three days after treatment.
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INSTRUCTIONS |
REASONS |
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Maintain a distance of at least one meter from adults and stay three meters away from pregnant ladies and children below 18 years old. |
To reduce the unnecessary radiation exposures for family members. |
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Avoid close contact with children below 18 years old, such as hugging or holding, whenever possible. |
To prevent the radiation exposures for children. |
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Encourage short visits, of less than two hours, and keep about two meters from visitors and preferably avoid close contact. You should discourage visits by young children and pregnant women for three days after treatment. |
Minimizing time of contact is an effective measure to reduce the radiation exposure to others. |
Note: this radioactive medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth. Therefore, use adequate birth control measures for the next 30 days after treatment with Yttrium-90.
Radiation protection instructions while using toilet:
It is advisable to follow these guidelines for three days after treatment.
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INSTRUCTIONS |
REASONS |
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Wash your hands twice after using the bathroom and use paper towel or your own towel after washing your hands. |
To prevent the cross-contamination that causes body radiation contamination. |
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Wash your underclothes separately from other family members clothes. |
Urine contains tiny amounts of radiation, if your inners get polluted with urine, it well be radioactive source unless it get washed. |
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Pass urine while seated (including men). Always dry your genitals with toilet paper and flush the toilet two to three times. |
to avoid radiation-contaminated urine from contaminating the water closet (W.C.). |
If you have another hospital examination
If you must go to hospital unexpectedly, please inform the medical staff that you have been treated with radioactive material recently, and delay giving urine sample for three days after treatment unless the case is emergency.
If you need help
If you have any problem at home or need help regarding your discharge information, signs and symptoms, medications or follow up appointments, please call 800 8 CCAD (800 8 2223)
However, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 999 or visit your nearest Emergency Department.
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