Increasing the Permissible Radiation Exposure Level for Hospital Discharge

Regulations on public radiation exposure control in medical facilities have been amended by Circular 13 as follows:

- Implement measures to ensure that only necessary medical radiation staff and designated persons assisting patients are allowed in the examination and treatment rooms during radiation exposure periods.- Implement measures to prevent unauthorized persons from entering areas with radiation equipment, radioactive materials, patient rooms for radioactive drug treatment, or radioactive source implantation.- Allow patients undergoing I-131 radioactive drug treatment to be discharged to their homes only when the radiation activity level remaining in the patient is evaluated not to exceed 1100 MBq. Upon discharging a patient treated with I-131, the treating physician must personally advise and provide written instructions to the patient regarding radiation safety requirements for family members, colleagues, and the community.- The surrounding areas of the controlled zone, including workrooms, passageways, hallways, restrooms, and other areas frequented by people, are required to implement the following protective measures:- Control radiation levels to ensure no changes during the working process;- Use radiation warning signs (warning boards, warning lights, warning signals) and measures to restrict access to these areas.

For more details, refer to Circular 13/2018/TT-BKHCN, effective from November 1, 2018.

- Thanh Lam -

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