Radiation protection consequences of the care of a terminally ill patient having received a thyroid ablation dose of I-131-sodium iodide

The death of a patient soon after an ablation dose of I-131-sodium iodide i s a rare occurrence. We report a case of a patient who died, following emer gency surgery to treat gastric bleeding, whilst still radioactive. The dose s received by clinical staff involved in management of the patient were mea sured and were found to be within acceptable limits. However, there was an appreciable level of unsealed radioactivity in the Intensive Care Unit. The issues raised by this case are discussed in the context of legislative req uirements and the worst case scenario. The event highlights the need for cl ose liaison between the different specialities to ensure that clinical staf f are properly advised and that necessary safety precautions are taken to a void compromising the safety of staff or the care of the patient.