The following was received from
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email:
During the afternoon of October 13, 2020, the Agency received a call from the RSO [(Radiation Safety Officer)] at Rush Oak Park Hospital, Inc. (IL-01676-01) to notify the Agency of a potential 24-hr notification requirement from an event which occurred at 0830 CDT, Friday, October 9, 2020. According to the RSO, a Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT) was administering a 27 mCi dose of Tc-99m to a patient when the vein "collapsed" which created pressure and sprayed a small quantity of Tc-99m back into the technicians face and eyes. The technician soon thereafter went to the E.R. [(emergency room)] and had her eyes rinsed out. At 1000 the same morning, the RSO met the NMT in the E.R. and took a near contact measurement of her face utilizing a Ludlum model 26 which identified a maximum 6,050 cpm on her forehead. The RSO stated that he could not identify any contamination elsewhere or within the wash water at the E.R. Having no other information, the RSO calculated that in consideration of an approximately 0.23 percent efficiency of the instrument, approximately 1.2 microCi of Tc-99m was on the skin of the NMT. The RSO also stated that he did a few worst case scenario calculations but didn't come close to reportable levels. The Agency concurs with the licensee's determinations. Furthermore, the patient was given most of the dose and still had a normal scan. No contamination was identified on the patient. The used syringe measured 1 mCi remaining following treatment and the accident. The RSO explained that he didn't think it was reportable but following a closer look at 32 IAC 340.1220(c)(3) thought he had better complete his due diligence and give us a call. Inspection and Enforcement supervisor to follow up with the licensee.
The incident will be entered into NMED [(Nuclear Material Events Database)] and reported to the Headquarters Operations Officer within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> of notification, as required.
The licensee will be advised of the requirement to submit a written report within 30 days in accordance with 32 IAC 340.1230.
Item Number: IL200019