Radiation Safety Precautions

Radiation safety is a concern of many of our patients. Iodine-125 and Palladium-103 are low energy radioactive materials and lose their radioactivity quickly. The low energy of the seeds means that most of the radiation is absorbed within the prostate gland. However, some amount of the radiation is given off to structures near the prostate, such as the rectum. Very small amounts of radiation are emitted from the patient. The precautions listed below, that we ask you to observe, are to ensure that those around you are protected from unnecessary radiation.

Decay of Pd-103 Following Typical Implant For a larger view, Click Here	Decay of I-25 Following Typical Implant For a larger view, Click Here

After your radioactive seed implant, the radiation around you is at a low and safe level for others. Still, you can take a few precautions to further lower these levels and the risk of exposure to others. You should avoid prolonged physical contact with pregnant women and young children (such as holding them or having them sit on your lap) for six months following the I-125 implant or for three months after the Pd-103 implant. However, it is safe to greet someone with a brief hug, kiss or handshake.

Percentage of Radioactivity Remaining After Time For a larger view, Click Here

Objects that you touch and items that you use are NOT radioactive. Your bodily wastes (urine and stool) are NOT radioactive. Your touch does not contaminate anyone or anything. Your family may use the same linens, clothing, tableware, dishes, and toilet facilities that you use without taking any special precautions. Airline travel is safe. The radioactive seeds will not set off alarms or metal detectors. The seeds will not interfere with pacemakers or microwave ovens.

It is also safe to sleep with your partner and continue to have sexual relations. Your sperm may be discolored dark brown to black. This is normal and is the result of bleeding that may have occurred during the implant and is now being released into the ejaculate.

In the future, be sure to tell other health care providers that you have had radioactive prostate seed implants. In most cases, the radioactive seeds will not be of concern. However, invasive procedures of the prostate or area around the prostate could have an effect on the seeds or the person performing the procedure. We will provide you with a card that includes information about the date of the implant, the radioisotope used, the implant strength and the precautions to take.

We hope this has helped you understand the radioactive seed implant process. If you have any questions, please speak with your radiation oncologist, resident, or nurse. You can reach them Monday through Friday at the numbers listed below. If you need assistance after 5 p.m. or on weekends, please call 215-955-8297 and ask for the radiation oncologist on-call.

The phone number for Radiation Safety is (215) 955-7813.

For more information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions section.