Changes

When a patient is exposed to external sources of radiation during [[Application_of_ionising_radiation_in_healthcare#Diagonstic_Therapy|diagnostic radiology]] or [[Application_of_ionising_radiation_in_healthcare#Radiation_Therapy|radiation therapy]], there is no residual radiation in the patient after the procedure, and they pose no radiation risk to people around them. However, when [[Application_of_ionising_radiation_in_healthcare#Nuclear_Medicine|nuclear medicine]] is used for diagnostic radiology or radiation therapy, protection of family members or the others who provide care to the patient, and the protection of the public the patient may come into contact, should be considered.<ref name="Pub094">[[ICRP Publication 94]] Release of patients after therapy with unsealed radionuclides. Ann. ICRP 34(2), 2004.</ref><ref name="Pub105"/>

For specific therapeutic [[Application_of_ionising_radiation_in_healthcare#Nuclear_Medicine|nuclear medicine]] (e.g. unsealed source therapy) or radiation oncology (e.g. brachytherapy) procedures, such as ¹³¹I therapy for thyroid cancer or some forms of hyperthyroidism, the patient has significant amounts of residual radioactivity in their body that they may pose a slight risk to the others. Thus, radiation safety counselling is required to reduce the exposure of other individuals. Depending on the quantity of radionuclide, the treatment facility may need to hold (e.g. admit) the patient until the quantity is sufficiently reduced through a combination of radioactive decay and biological elimination. In addition, these patients are generally given radiation protection instructions, such as avoiding prolonged close contact with children or pregnant women for a specific period of time post therapy. The radiation safety advice will depend on the burden of underlying disease being treated and the treatment dose of ¹³¹I administered.