Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 37 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 37.14 - RADIATION CONTROL
Subchapter 37.14.11 - Use of Sealed Radioactive Sources in the Healing Arts
Rule 37.14.1105 - INTERSTITIAL , INTRACAVITARY AND SUPERFICIAL APPLICATIONS
Universal Citation: MT Admin Rules 37.14.1105
Current through Register Vol. 24, December 20, 2024
(1) Sealed sources shall be accounted for, stored and transported as follows:
(a) Except
as otherwise specifically authorized by the department, each licensee shall
provide accountability of sealed sources and shall keep a record of the issue
and return of all sealed sources. A physical inventory shall be made at least
every 6 months and a written record of the inventory maintained.
(b) When not in use, sealed sources and
applicators containing sealed sources shall be kept in a protective enclosure
of such material and wall thickness as may be necessary to assure compliance
with the provisions of ARM
37.14.705,
37.14.708 and
37.14.709.
(2) Sealed sources shall be tested for leakage and contamination as follows:
(a) All
sealed sources with a half-life greater than 30 days and in any form other than
gas shall be tested for leakage and/or contamination prior to initial use and
at intervals not to exceed 6 months, unless otherwise specified. If there is
reason to suspect that a sealed source might have been damaged, or might be
leaking, it shall be tested for leakage before further use.
(b) Leak tests shall be capable of detecting
the presence of 0.005 microcurie of radioactive material on the test sample or,
in the case of radium, the escape of radon at the rate of 0.001 microcurie per
24 hours. Any test conducted pursuant to (a) above which reveals the presence
of 0.005 microcurie or more of removable contamination or, in the case of
radium, the escape of radon at the rate of 0.001 microcurie or more per 24
hours, shall be considered evidence that the sealed source is leaking. The
licensee shall immediately withdraw the source from use and shall cause it to
be decontaminated and repaired or to be disposed of in accordance with
applicable provisions of ARM Title 37, chapter 14, subchapter 7.
(c) Leak test results shall be recorded in
units of microcuries and maintained for inspection by the department.
(3) Radiation surveys shall be conducted as follows:
(a) The maximum
radiation level at a distance of 1 meter from the patient in whom brachytherapy
sources have been inserted shall be determined by measurement or calculation.
This radiation level shall be entered on the patient's chart and other signs as
required under (4) of this rule.
(b) The radiation levels in the patient's
room and the surrounding area shall be determined, recorded, and maintained for
inspection by the department.
(4) Signs and records shall be maintained as follows:
(a) In addition to the requirements
of ARM 37.14.725, the bed, cubicle, or
room of the hospital brachytherapy patient shall be marked with a sign
indicating the presence of brachytherapy sources. This sign shall incorporate
the radiation symbol and specify the radionuclide, the activity, date and the
individual to contact for radiation safety instructions. The sign is not
required provided the exception in ARM
37.14.726(2) is
met.
(b) The following information
shall be included in the patient's chart:
(i)
the radionuclide administered, number of sources, activity in millicuries and
time and date of administration;
(ii) the exposure rate at 1 meter, the time
the determination was made, and by whom;
(iii) the radiation symbol; and
(iv) the precautionary instructions necessary
to assure that the exposure of individuals does not exceed that permitted under
ARM 37.14.705.
Sec. 75-3-201 and 75-3-202, MCA; IMP, Sec. 75-3-201 and 75-3-202, MCA;
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