Nuclear Medicine Imaging Protocol

Subject to modification by the Biosecurity Subcommittee of the CVM Occupational Health and Safety Committee without approval.

Policy

Uses radioactive isotope to help diagnose or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancer and certain other physiological dysfunction. This process leaves patients radioactive, so certain measures and precautions must be taken to ensure safety. Urine and feces will be particularly radioactive.

Guidelines

• Radioactive Tag to hang on the cage door.
• Separate garbage bag for soiled items
  • Must have a radioactive sticker placed on it.
• Gloves
• Shoe coverings (for large animal patients)

Procedure (if applicable)

• Wear gloves
• Dispose of all soiled items in a specifically labeled garbage bag.
• Items such as thermometers and stethoscopes need to stay with the patient until the patient is cleared.
  • These items must also be left with the patient so they can be cleared as well.

• Patient will be cleared the next morning
  • Small personal items, i.e.: blankets, towels, toys can be kept with the patient while in the hospital but will not be returned to the owner due to radioactivity.
• Grates, litter boxes, and water bowls are fine to have in the cage.
• Heating pads are not to be put in the cage.
• Animals can be walked outside, just try to walk them in a corner that is not frequently habited.
• Blood draws are not done until after the animal is cleared.

Any questions call imaging at 3-5330 and ask for help.

Definitions (if applicable)

Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH): The collective clinical services of the Large Animal Clinic, Midwest Equine, the Small Animal Clinic, and the Veterinary Medicine South Clinic.