Nicholas Ruhman1, Vesper Grantham, Chris Martin. 1. Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117, USA.
Abstract
UNLABELLED: This study assesses the effectiveness of using everyday cleaning agents for the radioactive decontamination of wet (99m)Tc-pertechnetate spills in the nuclear medicine department. METHODS: Six cleaning agents (water, water and soap, alcohol, bleach, a commercial glass cleaner, and a commercial decontaminating agent) were analyzed for decontamination effectiveness for a wide range of surfaces (Formica, vinyl, vinyl-polyester, plastic, rubber, and polyester). RESULTS: Within the experiment, the contamination was removed to radioactivity levels of less than 1% of the original contamination level. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that for a range of surfaces, the investigated commercially available cleaning agents had little or no benefit over plain tap water when used to decontaminate (99m)Tc-pertechnetate spills.
UNLABELLED: This study assesses the effectiveness of using everyday cleaning agents for the radioactive decontamination of wet (99m)Tc-pertechnetate spills in the nuclear medicine department. METHODS: Six cleaning agents (water, water and soap, alcohol, bleach, a commercial glass cleaner, and a commercial decontaminating agent) were analyzed for decontamination effectiveness for a wide range of surfaces (Formica, vinyl, vinyl-polyester, plastic, rubber, and polyester). RESULTS: Within the experiment, the contamination was removed to radioactivity levels of less than 1% of the original contamination level. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that for a range of surfaces, the investigated commercially available cleaning agents had little or no benefit over plain tap water when used to decontaminate (99m)Tc-pertechnetate spills.