Parents often express concern about the safety of infants and young children when a family member is undergoing medical radiation treatments. Medical radiation encompasses various approaches, and the precautions can vary significantly depending on the specific treatment administered. This article aims to clarify these distinctions, providing clear guidance on when and why precautions might be necessary to ensure the safety of babies.
Understanding Medical Radiation and Patient Safety
Medical radiation is broadly categorized into diagnostic imaging and therapeutic radiation. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, uses momentary radiation and does not make the patient radioactive.
Therapeutic radiation, often called radiation oncology, uses high-energy radiation to treat diseases like cancer. The most common form is external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), where a machine outside the body directs radiation beams at the tumor.
With EBRT, radiation passes through the patient’s body and does not remain after the treatment session. Patients undergoing EBRT do not become radioactive, and the radiation dissipates immediately. Therefore, no residual radiation poses a risk to others, including babies.
Safety Around Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy
Patients receiving external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) do not become radioactive and pose no risk to babies or other individuals. Once the daily treatment session is complete, there is no radiation left in the patient’s system. Families, including infants, can safely interact with a patient immediately after an EBRT session. There is no need to limit contact, maintain distance, or take any special precautions when a patient is undergoing this type of treatment.
Precautions for Specific Radiation Treatments
Certain types of radiation treatments involve radioactive material placed inside the patient’s body, which necessitates temporary precautions for others, especially infants.
Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)
Internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy, involves implanting radioactive sources directly into or very near a tumor. Depending on whether the implant is temporary or permanent, the patient may emit low levels of radiation for a period. For permanent implants, such as those for prostate cancer, healthcare providers might advise limited close contact with young children for a few weeks to months, often suggesting maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet.
Systemic Radiation Therapy
Systemic radiation therapy involves administering radioactive substances, often in liquid or capsule form, that travel throughout the body. A common example is radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy for thyroid cancer. After receiving I-131, the patient’s body temporarily becomes radioactive as the substance is absorbed and then gradually eliminated.
During this time, which can last from a few days to several weeks, specific precautions are necessary to minimize radiation exposure to others. These precautions typically include maintaining distance from babies and young children, often suggesting a separation of at least 3 to 6 feet, and limiting the duration of close contact. Patients might be advised to avoid holding infants or sharing beds for a specified period. Additionally, special care may be needed for handling bodily fluids, such as flushing toilets multiple times after use, and washing laundry separately. The specific duration and nature of these precautions are tailored to the type and dose of the radioactive material used.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals for Guidance
It is important for patients and their families to consult the patient’s oncology team or healthcare provider for specific, personalized advice. Guidelines for interaction with others, especially infants, can vary significantly based on the exact type of radiation treatment, the dosage administered, and individual patient factors. Medical professionals are the most reliable source for accurate and current information regarding safety protocols and any necessary temporary precautions. They can provide clear instructions tailored to the patient’s unique situation, ensuring the safety of all family members.