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ENS 534361 June 2018 11:39:00The following information was received via E-mail: On May 31, 2018, the Department (PA DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection) was notified by the licensee that a malfunction of a roll pin on a shutter handle occurred at a temporary jobsite in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania. It is initially reportable per 10 CFR 30.50(b)(2). A roll pin, which holds the shutter handle to the shutter shaft on a Berthhold Model LB 8010 in-line density gauge containing 20 milliCuries of cesium-137 became sheared off during an attempt to move the shutter to the open position, rendering the gauge unusable. The gauge is currently being stored at their Punxsutawney, PA location. The shutter is in the closed position and the gauge is out of service awaiting repair from the manufacturer. There was no other damage to the gauge. No overexposures have occurred. Radionuclide: Cs-137 Manufacturer: Berthold Model: LB 8010 Serial Number: 10485 Activity: 20 mCi The cause of the event has been attributed to normal wear and tear on the gauge. A reactive inspection is planned by the Department. PA Event Report ID No: PA180013
ENS 5708118 April 2024 16:32:00The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) email: On April 18, 2024, the licensee informed the Department of a medical event. It is reportable per 10 CFR 35.3045. On April 17, 2024, a patient was receiving an iodine-131 (sodium iodine solution) treatment. The patient was prescribed 100 mCi of I-131. However, the patient received only 5 mCi of I-131. At this time no other information is available. The Department will update this event as soon as more information is provided. The Department will perform a reactive inspection. More information will be provided upon receipt. PA Event Number: PA240006 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facilitys use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5697216 February 2024 14:29:00The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) email: On February 1, 2024, a patient was receiving a lutetium-177 (Lutathera) treatment. The written directive, signed by the authorized user (AU), was for 200 mCi of Lu-177. However, the treating medical oncologist signed a 100 mCi dose alteration treatment plan order on the same day as the procedure. The patient received the 200 mCi dose that was recorded in the written directive instead of what was intended. It is believed that miscommunication occurred between the two, and a full investigation into the cause of the event is underway by the licensee. The AU and the patient have been notified. No harmful effects are expected to patient. The Department will update this event as soon as more information is provided. PA NMED Event Number: PA240005 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5696213 February 2024 08:14:00The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection (DEP) via email: On January 18, 2024, the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) was completing shutter checks and leak tests on a Berthold fixed gauge, model number: LB-300 W, serial number 1744-11-14 containing sealed source number P-2608-100 with 8 millicuries of Co-60. During the checks, the shutter's shear pin broke, and the RSO was unable to close the shutter. The vessel that this gauge is on is not entered very often and is not readily accessible. A licensed contractor will be on site on February 13 - 14, 2024, to repair the gauge. If they are not able to repair the gauge on-site, the gauge will be placed in storage until it can be sent for repair. The DEP has been in contact with the licensee. PA event report ID: PA240004
ENS 567702 October 2023 10:19:00The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection via email: On September 28, 2023, staff from Magee Pathology department called the (University of Pittsburgh) radiation safety office to report that they had accidentally transected an I-125 seed used for radioactive seed localization (RSL) in breast tissue during the pathology processing in the laboratory. The seed was a Best Medical International Model 2301 containing 169 microcuries of I-125. Two staff members were involved, and they were told to sequester in the room until personnel from radiation safety could respond. Shortly after, radiation safety personnel performed surveys to determine the extent of the contamination. No personnel contamination was observed. All contamination was discovered in waste material and on the tissue samples. The transected seed was contained. The radiation safety office took possession of the damaged seed and all radioactive waste. At the time of reporting, it is estimated that approximately 50 percent of the activity was lost to open contamination, which is greater than 1 annual limit on intake (ALI) of I-125, and therefore reached the criteria for (10 CFR) 22.2202 reportability. Workers had bioassays performed for thyroid exposure and all returned negative. PA event report ID: PA230028
ENS 567257 September 2023 12:40:00The following summary information was provided by the PA Bureau of Radiation Protection (PA DEP) via email On September 6, 2023 a Troxler gauge, model 3411, serial number 6829 was hit by a vehicle while on a job site. This gauge contained a 9 millicurie Cesium-137 source and a 44 millicurie Americium 241:Be source. The area was secured, and the PA DEP responded to the site. The owner/radiation safety officer (RSO) retrieved the sources with long handled pliers and secured them in the transportation box for the gauge. The area and gauge were surveyed and smears were taken for contamination. The case was also surveyed and the owner/RSO has contacted a consultant/vendor to leak test the sources and arrange for disposal. Pennsylvania Event Number: PA230024
ENS 5669524 August 2023 13:03:00The following information was received via email from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (the Department): On August 24, 2023, the licensee informed the Department of an under-dose incident involving cesium-131 (Cs-131). It is reportable per 10 CFR 35.3045(a)(1). On August 23, 2023 a patient received prostate seed therapy with Cs-131. The therapy plan detailed the need for 24 needles with 98 Cs-131 seeds total (1.8U/seed). A total of 107 Cs-131 seeds were received by the facility, based on the pre-plan volume. Devices used in the operation included: Ultrasound - BK Medical, BK 3000, serial number: 2003107; Planning System - Varian, Variseed 9.0, serial number: B29WL33; Stepper and applicator - CIVCO, Classic Stepper, serial number: 02107; MICK Medical, Mick TP applicator. Seed assay was performed with the activity per seed within acceptable regulatory limits. However, after the medical procedure, more than 37 seeds were found unused. According to the plan, the unused number was supposed to be 9. Thus, a total of 70 seeds were implanted. The physician and patient have been informed. The patient received 201.9 mCi (70 seeds) of the 282.6 mCi (98 seeds) prescribed. The cause of the event is unknown at this time. The Department will perform a reactive inspection. More information will be provided as received. Pennsylvania Event Report ID No.: PA230023. A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5668922 August 2023 13:37:00

The following information was received via email from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (the Department): On August 21, 2023 the licensee informed the Department of a medical event where the equipment failed to function as designed. This is reportable under 10 CFR 30.50(b)(2). A patient was scheduled for an intravascular brachytherapy (IVBT) patient treatment using a Beta-Cath Strontium 90 device (s/n 91273) and upon source retraction the source failed to return to the transfer device due to a kink in the catheter. An emergency 'bailout' procedure was performed, with the cardiologist removing the delivery catheter and guidewire from the patient. The delivery catheter was left attached to the transfer device and placed it into the temporary plexiglas 'bailout' box. The patient was surveyed to confirm the source had been removed. The 'bailout' box was visually inspected and surveyed to confirm the source was in the catheter in the box. This box was then transferred to the radiation oncology secure storage area. The device will be returned to the manufacturer for inspection. No overexposures were reported. The cause of the event is unknown at this time. The Department will perform a reactive inspection. More information will be provided as received. PA Event Report ID Number: PA230022 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.

  • * * UPDATE FROM JOHN CHIPPO TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 1357 EDT ON 8/23/2023 * * *

The following information was received via email from the Department. The event type has been changed from a medical event to a Part 30 equipment event. The Department has learned that the authorized user said that treatment was complete and the source did not enter the device within 3 seconds so they started emergency removal of catheter from the patient and placed it in the 'bailout' box; total time from end of treatment to the catheter/device in the emergency box was approximately 10 seconds. The kink in the catheter was noted after it and the source were approximately 15 cm from where it entered the patient thus no overexposure or unintended dose. Device make, model, serial number: Best Vascular, Inc, A1000 Series Models, Transfer Device s/n 91273. Radionuclide: Sr-90; Jacketed Radiation Source Train s/n ZB948 (60 mm source train) (24 sources). Source strength(s): 3.13 Gbq (84.6 mCi) total; (3.52 mCi/source * 24 sources); Assay date 12/3/2003; Activity as of August 21, 2023 = 1.92 Gbq (51.9 mCi) total. Dose patient received:18.4 Gray @ 2 mm; (vessel 3.0 mm). Dose patient prescribed:18.4 Gray @ 2mm (vessel 3.0 mm). Notified R1DO (Gray) and NMSS Events Notification email group.

ENS 5653624 May 2023 08:37:00

The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: On May 24, 2023, the Department was notified of a stolen nuclear density gauge. This event is reportable within 24-hours per 10 CFR 20.2201(a)(1)(i). On May 23, 2023, an employee of the licensee reported to police that their vehicle, with a nuclear density gauge in it, was stolen earlier that day. Local, Regional, and State Police are aware of the incident and a bulletin has been issued. (The Department) has been in contact with the licensee and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. The Department will perform a reactive inspection. Stolen gauge details: Troxler Model Number: 3440 Serial Number: 33833 Sources: Cesium 137, 9 millicuries; Americium 241:Be, 44 millicuries

  • * * UPDATE ON 5/24/2023 AT 1340 EDT FROM JOHN CHIPPO TO IAN HOWARD * * *

The following information was provided by the Department via email: The vehicle has been recovered with the device still secure and intact in the trunk. Notified R1DO (Jackson), NMSS Events Notification (email), ILTAB (email), CNSC Canada (email). PA Event Report Number: PA230016 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

ENS 5648826 April 2023 08:37:00The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (the Department) via email: On April 25, 2023, the licensee reported damage to a QSA 880D (number D7890, source serial number 72481M), camera containing 105.8 Ci of Ir-192. While using the device shooting a 3-inch pipe positioned on a cart, the pipe fell off the cart and landed on the guide tube. The guide tube was damaged and left the source capsule in the exposed position unable to retract or to be placed back in the collimator. Lead blankets were placed on the damaged area of the guide tube. Dose rate at the established boundary was confirmed to be 0 mR/hr. The licensee staff calculated doses received to the 4 employees involved in the retrieval as 98, 310, 570, and 750 millirem. Badges have been sent to Landauer for emergency processing. The source was able to be secured safely in the device, locked in the licensee's vault, and tagged out of service. The device will be sent to the manufacturer to be inspected. The Department will perform a reactive inspection. More information will be provided upon receipt. PA NMED Event Number: PA230014
ENS 5652619 May 2023 12:03:00The following information was received from the Pennsylvania Department of Radiation Protection via email: On March 28, 2023, a patient was treated with a permanent Cs-131 implant with a prescribed dose of 60 Gy. On April 11, 2023, the patient presented with a serious medical condition which necessitated the immediate removal of the implant. The seeds were all accounted for and placed into storage for decay to background. The actual dose delivered is calculated to be 37 Gy. The referring physician and the patient have been informed. Event Report Identification Number: PA230015 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5642522 March 2023 14:17:00The following information was received from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection via email: On March 21, 2023, the licensee discovered a broken shutter on one of its devices, a Berthold, LB8010, Serial number 10094, with 20 mCi of cesium 137. The licensee reported the shutter is in the closed position and cannot be moved. The device has been removed from service and secured at the licensee's storage facility in Mill Hall, PA. The manufacturer has been contacted. The gauge will be returned for repair or replacement. No personnel overexposure has occurred. PA Event Report Id NO: PA230012
ENS 5708622 April 2024 13:44:00

The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: On April 19, 2024, the licensee informed the Department of a medical event. It is reportable per 10 CFR 35.3045. On April 19, 2024, the licensee discovered a medical event from January 31, 2023. A patient received a diagnostic scan that was performed using 4 mCi of I-131. This scan was performed without a written directive being prepared. Immediately upon discovery, the authorized users and technologists received training to remind them that they are required to verify the prescribed dosage to be administered against a prepared written directive. The licensees system was modified to remind the employees to verify the prescribed dosage in the written directive against the dosage about to be administered. No harm is expected to the patient. At this time, no other information is available. The Department will update this event as soon as more information is provided.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 4/23/24 AT 0740 EDT FROM JOHN CHIPPO TO BILL GOTT * * *

The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: The Department wishes to retract this event as it does not meet the qualifications for reporting. Notified R1DO (Werkheiser) and NMSS Events Notification via email. PA Event Number: PA240010 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facilitys use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.

ENS 5631920 January 2023 15:46:00The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: On January 20, 2023 the licensee informed the Department of an under-dose incident involving yttrium-90 (Y-90) TheraSpheres. It is reportable per 10 CFR 35.3045(a)(1). On January 11, 2023 an Authorized User (AU) in Interventional Radiology was attempting to treat a patient with 45.4 mCi of yttrium-90 TheraSphere. The AU could not get the spheres to infuse. After consultation with the manufacturer (Boston Scientific), they decided on aborting the procedure. It was determined the patient received zero activity and all the radioactivity from the spheres remained inside the treatment vial. The patient and referring physician have been informed. The Department is currently in contact with the licensee and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Event Report ID No: PA230005 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5708522 April 2024 13:44:00

The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: On April 19, 2024, the licensee informed the Department of a medical event. It is reportable per 10 CFR 35.3045. On April 19, 2024, the licensee discovered a medical event from December 29, 2022. A patient received a diagnostic scan that was performed using 1 mCi of I-131. This scan was performed without a written directive being prepared. Immediately upon discovery, the authorized users and technologists received training to remind them that they are required to verify the prescribed dosage to be administered against a prepared written directive. The licensees system was modified to remind the employees to verify the prescribed dosage in the written directive against the dosage about to be administered. No harm is expected to the patient. At this time, no other information is available. The Department will update this event as soon as more information is provided.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 4/23/24 AT 0740 EDT FROM JOHN CHIPPO TO BILL GOTT * * *

The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: The Department wishes to retract this event as it does not meet the qualifications for reporting. Notified R1DO (Werkheiser) and NMSS Events Notification via email. PA Event Number: PA240009 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facilitys use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.

ENS 5708422 April 2024 13:44:00

The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: On April 19, 2024, the licensee informed the Department of a medical event. It is reportable per 10 CFR 35.3045. On April 19, 2024, the licensee discovered a medical event from December 28, 2022. A patient received a diagnostic scan that was performed using 1 mCi of I-131. This scan was performed without a written directive being prepared. Immediately upon discovery, the authorized users and technologists received training to remind them that they are required to verify the prescribed dosage to be administered against a prepared written directive. The licensees system was modified to remind the employees to verify the prescribed dosage in the written directive against the dosage about to be administered. No harm is expected to the patient. At this time, no other information is available. The Department will update this event as soon as more information is provided.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 4/23/24 AT 0740 EDT FROM JOHN CHIPPO TO BILL GOTT * * *

The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: The Department wishes to retract this event as it does not meet the qualifications for reporting. Notified R1DO (Werkheiser) and NMSS Events Notification via email. PA Event Number: PA240008 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facilitys use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.

ENS 5627315 December 2022 09:46:00The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: On December 14, 2022, a consultant health physicist informed the Department that a Troxler Model 104-117 nuclear density gauge, serial number 433, containing 3 millicuries of radium-226 beryllium (Ra:Be) had been found. The gauge was found in a trash transfer trailer entering Waste Management, Mountain View Reclamation Landfill on December 2, 2202. This load originated from West Virginia. The load was isolated until consultant health physicist was able to respond on December 13, 2022, to resurvey the trailer. A gamma radiation measurement made at contact with the source housing was 18 milliroentgens/hour. At 1 foot from the approximate location of the source, the gamma dose rate was 5 mrem/hour. No evaluation was made of the neutron dose rate. The device was placed in a locked storage shed posted with a Caution - Radioactive Material sign. The Department was onsite during the recovery of the gauge and continues to investigate its origin. The Department will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Event Report ID No.: PA220030
ENS 5599818 July 2022 06:58:00The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection via email: On July 15, 2022, the licensee discovered a lost Americium-241 source. The 100 millicurie source is in a FILTEC model FT-50 gauge (Serial Number 116888). During an inventory for its license renewal, the licensee discovered the device missing from its location in storage and has been unable to locate the device. The licensee has notified its facilities and engineering departments, plans on contacting the manufacturer on July 18th to see if the gauge was returned, and is actively searching for the source. The DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) was in contact with the licensee over the weekend for information and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Pennsylvania event number: PA220023 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
ENS 559297 June 2022 08:28:00The following was received from the Pennsylvania Department (DEP) Bureau of Radiation Protection via email: On June 5, 2022, the DEP was present for the removal of an irradiator at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, a location on University of Pennsylvania license (PA-0131). A crew member of the rigging subcontractor was seen livestreaming the operation. Campus police were immediately notified, the filming was stopped, and the crew member was removed from the site. The DEP is investigating and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Event Report Identification Number: PA220020
ENS 5590420 May 2022 09:21:00

The following was received from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (the Department) via email: On May 19, 2022, the licensee informed the Department of an incident involving Cobalt 60 in a Leksell (R) Gamma Knife Perfexion. It is reportable as per 10 CFR 35.3045(a)(1). On May 18, 2022, a patient underwent treatment of four lesions in the brain. Upon review of the treatment, the physicist noticed that all four lesions were missed by approximately 0.5 centimeters and healthy brain tissue was treated. The patient and referring physician have been informed. The Department is currently in contact with the licensee and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. The Department will perform a reactive inspection. More information will be provided as received. Event Report ID No: PA220018 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.

  • * * UPDATE ON 05/25/2022 AT 0949 EDT FROM JOHN CHIPPO TO OSSY FONT * * *

The following updated was received from the Department via email: The patient had MRIs and CT Scans. Those images were fused by the neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist. Upon completion of the treatment, they discovered that although the targets were moved with the second image fusion, the shots and contours were not. This resulted in the treatment being 0.5 cm off for all 4 targets. Prescribed dose was 20 to 21 Gy, delivered dose to target tissue was 8 to 15 Gy, maximum dose to healthy tissue is estimated to range from 21.82 to 27.09 Gy. More information is expected once the licensee completes their investigation. Notified R1DO (Eve) and NMSS Events Notification via email.

ENS 558897 May 2022 09:54:00The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Radiation Protection (Department) via fax: On May 6, 2022, the University of Pennsylvania informed the Department of an underdose incident on May 4, 2022, involving yttrium-90 (Y90) SIR-Spheres. A patient underwent a Y90 SIR-Sphere treatment and the catheter placement changed during a SIR-Spheres administration and the Authorized User intentionally stopped the administration as continuing could have resulted in harm to the patient. The administered activity was 67 percent of the prescribed activity (15.1 mCi vs 22.51 mCi). The Department will perform a reactive inspection and is currently in contact with the University of Pennsylvania. The event will be updated this as soon as more information is provided. It is reportable as per 10 CFR 35.3045(a)(1)(i). Pennsylvania Report Number: PA220017 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 558795 May 2022 08:13:00The following was received from the state of Pennsylvania (the Department) via email: On May 4, 2022, the licensee informed the Department of an equipment malfunction. The licensee reported that on May 3, 2022 a QSA Global Model 880 containing a 37 Curie source of Iridium-192 malfunctioned. The camera's serial number is D15520 and the source serial number is 36110M. During the course of radiographic operations, the automatic lock slide that secures the source failed to completely close. While the source was completely retracted, secured, and verified using a survey meter, the camera was not fully functioning as intended. The licensee contacted with QSA Global, who suspect a spring malfunction. The camera was sent back to QSA for evaluation and repair. There were no overexposures because of this event. PA Event Report No: PA220015
ENS 5585120 April 2022 11:49:00The following was received from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection by e-mail: On April 18, 2022, a patient underwent a Y-90 SIR-Sphere treatment. The prescribed dosage was 7.07 milliCuries, however only 5.27 milliCuries was able to be delivered, or 74.5 percent. The apparent cause is that the blood vessel the catheter was placed in had a complicated vasculature which inhibited the flow of the spheres. No harm is expected to the patient. The referring physician and the patient have been informed. Event Report ID Number: PA220014 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 558267 April 2022 14:06:00The following was received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (the department or DEP) via email: On April 7, 2022, the licensee informed the department that a Troxler Model 3440 nuclear density gauge, serial number 31109, containing 8 milliCuries of cesium-137 and 40 milliCuries of americium-241 had been stolen. The gauge was secured in the back of the technician's vehicle at his residence. The technician was leaving his residence this morning around 0800 EDT and the vehicle was missing with the gauge inside. The incident was reported to the Philadelphia Police Department and they have yet to respond to the situation. The DEP will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Event Report ID No: PA220012 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
ENS 557664 March 2022 11:23:00The following was received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) via e-mail: On March 3, 2022 a patient was receiving a Lutetium-177 (Lutatherar) treatment. During treatment, the vial lost pressure resulting in the inability to deliver the majority of the dose to the patient. Remedial measures were attempted, such as Dermabond and the addition of air, however, the procedure still could not continue, and it was terminated. No contamination was found outside of the delivery box. The prescribed dose was 200 milliCuries and it is estimated that the patient received 1.4 milliCuries. An investigation into the cause of the event is underway by the licensee. No adverse effects to the patient are noted at this time and the patient and prescribing physician have been informed. The DEP will update this event as soon as more information is provided. PA Event Report ID No: PA220009 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5574016 February 2022 10:38:00The following report was received from the Pennsylvania Department of Bureau Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: The Department (DEP) received notification from a licensee on February 15, 2022, of medical event involving dose to an incorrect treatment site. An Elekta/Nucletron Remote Afterloader containing 6.421 Curies of iridium 192 (serial number V3/ 10799) with a Valencia skin applicator was to treat the lower third nasal dorsum with 600 cGy. However, the prescribing physician specified the right nasal sidewall. Therefore, the patient received 600 cGy to her lower 3rd nasal dorsum and not right nasal sidewall. The patient and prescribing physician were informed on February 14, 2022. The patient is being monitored and at this time no adverse effects are evident. The DEP is currently in contact with the licensee and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Pennsylvania Event Report Number: PA220007 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5573610 February 2022 09:02:00The following report was report was received from the Pennsylvania Department of Bureau Radiation Protection via email: On February 9, 2022, the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) was completing shutter checks and leak tests on a Ronan, Model Number: SAI-F37 fixed gauge. Its serial Number is AA-485 and it contains 10 milliCuries of Cesium-137. During the checks the shutter's shear pin broke and he was unable to close the shutter. The vessel that this gauge is on is not entered very often and is not readily accessible. The RSO has notified the manufacturer for a repair. No more information is available at this time. Pennsylvania Event Report Number: PA220005
ENS 5571427 January 2022 11:09:00The following information was received via E-mail: On January 26, 2022 the licensee informed the Department (Department of Environmental Protection) of a medical event. It is reportable as per 10 CFR 35.3045(a)(1)(i). The Department received notification from a licensee on January 26, 2022 of a medical event involving Yttium-90 TheraSpheres. The entire procedure occurred without incident and the routine contamination survey identified no contamination. However, when the waste was measured following the procedure, the percent of prescribed activity administered was 70.6 percent (administered = 27.72 mCi, prescribed activity = 39.24 mCi). No harm is expected to the patient. No further information is available at this time. The Department is currently in contact with the licensee and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Pennsylvania Event Report ID No.: PA220002 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 556308 December 2021 09:01:00The following was received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by email: On December 6, 2021, a patient underwent a Y-90 TheraSphere treatment. There were no apparent issues during the treatment, but the four-sided equipment readings before and after treatment indicated that only 63% of the prescribed dosage got into the patient. The prescribed dose was 4.08 GBq and the calculated received dose was 2.57 GBq. Preliminarily the licensee believes there was a flow issue and the micro catheter caused some of the material to precipitate out. The licensee is currently investigating to determine if that is the cause. The patient and physician have been informed. No adverse effects to the patient are anticipated. PA Event Report ID No: PA210019 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5553621 October 2021 11:04:00The following was received from Pennsylvania, Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: On October 5, 2020, the licensee identified a failed return spring on one of its NDC 103 (serial number 3020641) devices. The device contains 148 mCi (5.55 GBq) of Am-241. The written report received from the service provider on Oct 5, 2020 stated that the secondary shutter device for the device in question failed to close. The primary shutter assembly remained operational at all times. The secondary shutter assembly defect was addressed and corrected by the service provider at the earliest possible time (next scheduled machine downtime event). No overexposures resulted from this event. The Department will perform a reactive inspection. A service provider has already corrected the problem. Event Report ID No: PA210017
ENS 555127 October 2021 15:17:00The following was received via an email from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) (the Department) via email: The Department received notification from a licensee on October 6, 2021, that on September 21, 2021 a Model Humboldt 5001-EZ nuclear gauge (serial number 5434) was run over by a dump truck while on a temporary job site. This type of gauge typically contains 11 millicuries of Cs-137 and 44 millicuries of Am-241 for the Am-Be neutron source. The area was secured, and the licensee Radiation Safety Officer determined that the sources were secure, and gauge was not leaking. The gauge was transported to Pennoni's King of Prussia office and the sources were leak tested. The leak test samples showed no evidence of radiological material. The unit is out of service and will be sent to the manufacturer or other licensed facility for further review. There was no exposure to workers or the public. The DEP is currently in contact with the licensee and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Pennsylvania Event Report ID Number: PA210014
ENS 5537623 July 2021 13:00:00The following was received via an email from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) via email: On July 22, 2021 a patient was receiving a Lutetium-177 (Lutathera) treatment when technicians had difficulty establishing an IV injection site and flow. Several attempts were made, but ultimately they all failed. The prescribed dose was 200 milliCuries, but it is estimated that the patient received only 18 millicuries. No adverse effects to the patient are noted at this time and none are expected. The patient and prescribing physician have been informed. Preliminary cause is suspected to be poor venous access for patient as well as incorrect gauge needle used for patient access. The DEP will update this event as soon as more information is provided. The Department will perform a reactive inspection. Pennsylvania Event Report ID No: PA210008 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5513915 March 2021 10:48:00The following was received via an email from the state of Pennsylvania: The Department (PA Bureau of Radiation Protection) received notification from a licensee on March 12, 2021 of medical event involving yttrium-90 TheraSphere (TM). The licensee believes a patient received only 2 milliCurie of the 63.7 milliCurie prescribed dose. The connection piece between the Therasphere (TM) apparatus and the patient catheter failed when the injection started. All contamination was contained with absorbent pads that were located below the connection. The room, staff and patient were extensively surveyed and not found to be contaminated. The patient and the prescribing physician have been informed. No adverse effects to the patient are anticipated. The Department is currently in contact with the licensee and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Pennsylvania Event Report ID No: PA210002 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5515829 March 2021 14:49:00The following was received by email from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: The licensee reported that on February 12, 2021 while using a QSA Global Model 880, Serial # D15520, containing a 128 Curie source of iridium-192, the source failed to fully retract and lock. The technicians secured the area by adjusting their 2 mR/hr boundaries to an unshielded source distance and immediately contacted their company designee. Once on scene, the designee surveyed the scene and device and found elevated readings. Working the crank handle back and forth several times he was able to return the source to the secured and locked position. The device was taken back to the licensee's storage vault in Williamsport, PA for inspection. The cause of the incident is believed to be cold temperature and freezing of the lock mechanism. The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) subsequently investigated the incident and found that neither the radiographer nor the assistant radiographer had been performing proper radiation surveys during the workday which would have identified the lock failure sooner. As a result, the radiographer received a dose of 876 mR. We are still awaiting a dose on the assistant radiographer. Corrective actions include retraining all radiography employees to follow proper procedure. Also, both the radiographer and assistant radiographer are no longer employed by the licensee. PA Event Report ID No: PA210003
ENS 5504323 December 2020 11:30:00The following information was received via email: On December 10, 2020, the licensee discovered a lost iodine-131 shipment. The shipper of the 475 mCi of iodine-131 Liquid (Yellow II label) delivered the package to the wrong address, a neighboring business. The package was delivered to the licensee by the recipient before the package was known to be 'lost', later on the scheduled delivery date. The surface reading of 12 mR/hr was obtained upon the licensee receiving the package. The package was estimated to be in the possession of the recipient for approximately 1 hour. The estimated dose was approximately 12 mrem if an individual had been in contact with the package for the entire time it was in the possession of the recipient. Since the material was delivered by the recipient within the time frame the shipper would normally deliver, and the facility had no reason to suspect the material was incorrectly delivered, the licensee will inform the shipper of the incident to handle training of their staff on proper delivery of radioactive packages. PA Event Report ID No.: PA200024 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
ENS 5496421 October 2020 15:59:00The following information was received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania via email: On October 20, 2020 the licensee discovered a lost gadolinium-153 source. This source, Eckert and Ziegler Model NES8412, is an attenuation correction source in a SPECT camera. These sources are sold in pairs, and the serial numbers for the pair are R3-129 and R3-130. Only one is missing and it is unknown which it is currently. The licensee believes the sources were present in mid-June when the source holders were removed from the gamma camera in preparation for scrapping. The licensee is investigating to confirm that is true. The sources were nominally 250 mCi (+20%/-10%) each on March 1, 2019. The activity on June 15, 2020 was calculated to be 64 mCi, and on the date of discovery 44 mCi. The licensee has notified its facility and safety staff and is actively searching for the source. The DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) has been in contact with the licensee and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. PA incident no.: PA200022 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
ENS 549367 October 2020 13:19:00The following was received from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection (BRP; the Department) via email: On Sunday afternoon, September 28, 2020, the Department was notified of radioactive material found in a private residence being cleaned-out for an auction sale. BRP staff responded and found several sealed radium-226 sources and small quantities of uranium ore. The initial investigation revealed an additional nearby property also had radioactive material present. Staff inspected that property as well and discovered several more items. Owners of the houses were related and have passed away. HazMat responder's shoes and gloves were surveyed on September 28, with no removable contamination noted. Ambient dose rates were in the microrem to few millirem per hour range around the sources. The houses were secured that evening and further investigation continued through the week. As of October 7, 45 items have been collected. Note, some items contain multiple exempt sources, pieces of rock, or bottles of circa 1920 quack medical tablets with radium-226. These items include: old quack radium consumer products, exempt check sources, vacuum tubes, a military compass, luminous tubes and deck markers, cans of thorium oxide, and various other items containing radium-226, thorium-232, strontium-90, carbon-14, and natural uranium in quantities ranging from less than a microCurie to a few milliCuries (in the case of two radium-226 sources). An empty 5 gallon pail with 'US Radium, Bloomsburg PA' stenciled on the side was found. It is believed this old manufacturer of radium products, and now an EPA Superfund site, is where these items originated from. No exposure to members of the public above the public dose limit of 100 mrem per year are believed to have occurred during discovery and recovery, as the higher activity sources were within lead containers when found. BRP will update this event if more information becomes available. A complete inventory and activity calculations are underway for proper disposal. Event Report ID No: PA200020 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
ENS 5483513 August 2020 14:47:00The (Pennsylvania) Department (of Environmental Protection (DEP)) received notification from a licensee on August 12, 2020, of a medical event involving Yttrium-90 Sir-Spheres. The licensee believes a patient received only 47% of the prescribed dose. The prescribed dose was 1.44 GBq and the delivered dose is believed to be 0.67 GBq. Preliminary cause is believed to be a clotted catheter. The licensee continues to investigate the event. The patient and referring physician were informed following the procedure. The DEP is currently in contact with the licensee and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. PA NMED Event # PA2000016 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5470512 May 2020 12:00:00The following was received via email: On May 11, 2020 the licensee received a 10 gallon drum that fell outside of the Department of Transportation (DOT) dose rate level limitations. The package came from Cadman Materials, Inc. in Vancouver WA. The material inside is a gauge with a Cs-137 sealed source inside with an activity of 100 millicuries (3700 MBq). The package was shipped as UN2915, Radioactive Material Type A Package with Yellow-II labeling and a Transport Index of 0.1. Upon survey at receipt, the container exhibited dose rates of 3.4 rem/hr on contact, 240 mrem/hr at 12 inches, and 18 mrem/hr at 3.3 feet. The delivering carrier, and the client, Cadman Materials, have been notified. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection will update this event as soon as more information is provided. The event is reportable per 10 CFR 20.1906(d)(2). PA Event Report ID No: PA200012
ENS 546966 May 2020 12:43:00

The following information was received via email: The Department (Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection) received notification from a licensee on May 5, 2020, of a medical event involving a Varian GammMedplus iX high dose rate remote afterloader (HDR) containing 8.6 Ci of iridium 192. The patient was set to receive 10 fractions (channels) of breast cancer treatment. An error was noted when treatment from the third channel was attempted. The source was retracted back into the safe position upon the error indication. Staff reset the unit and rebooted. The unit functioned normally for the fourth channel. During the fifth channel the machine experienced another fault, but the source did not automatically retract. Staff then attempted two emergency stop procedures; however, both failed. Staff were finally able to manually retract the source after approximately two to four minutes; however, it hasn't been determined if the source was completely retracted into the shielded safe on the HDR due to catheter interference. The patient was quickly disconnected from the catheter, everyone was immediately removed, and the room was secured from entry. No dose is expected outside the HDR room as it is housed within an accelerator vault. The manufacturer has been contacted. The licensee has also requested the log files from the manufacturer for dose reconstruction of those involved. The department is currently in contact with the licensee and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. PA Event Report ID No: PA200011

  • * * UPDATE ON 5/7/20 AT 1208 EDT FROM JOHN CHIPPO TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *

The following information was received via email: Manufacturer service technicians removed the wire/source from the afterloader on 5/6/2020. Preliminarily, it appears the source became stuck approximately 4 to 5 inches from the shielded park position (inside the afterloader, but outside the shielded safe). Dosimetry badges have been sent for emergency read, results are expected today, and those results are expected to be minimal. The patient and all personnel involved were surveyed after the incident and readings were at background levels. Notified R1DO (Dentel) and NMSS Event Notifications (email).

  • * * UPDATE ON 5/12/20 AT 1158 EDT FROM JOHN CHIPPO TO JEFFREY WHITED * * *

The following information was received via email: The preliminary dosimetry report indicates three staff members involved in the event. The technologist received 4 mrem whole body dose, the authorized user received 3 mrem whole body dose and the AMP received 3 mrem whole body dose and a 15 mrem dose on their finger dosimeter. No other dose information was received at this time. Notified R1DO (Lally) and NMSS Event Notifications (email). A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.

ENS 5467923 April 2020 10:57:00The following information was received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania via email: On April 5, 2020, a technician reported to the (licensee radiation safety officer) RSO that when a shutter handle on a Berthold LB8010 with 20 mCi Cs-137 was moved to the closed position, the radiation survey indicated reduced radiation, but not the expected level. The shutter was opened and closed again, and radiation levels were lower but not at normal closed position levels. The gauge has been removed from service and is secured onsite in Canton, PA, awaiting a shipping container for return to the manufacturer. The gauge will be returned for repair or replacement. No personnel overexposure has occurred. The Department (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) will perform a reactive inspection. More information will be provided upon receipt. Pennsylvania Report ID No.: PA200008
ENS 546416 April 2020 14:09:00

The following was received from the State of Pennsylvania via E-mail: The (PA DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection) Department received notification from a licensee on April 3, 2020 of a medical event involving Y-90 TheraSphere microspheres. The licensee believes a patient undergoing a multiple lobe injection of the liver received only 62.7 percent of the prescribed dose in one of the lobes. The second lobe is believed to have received the correct dose. The DEP is currently in contact with the licensee and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. The Department will perform a reactive inspection as soon as possible. Pennsylvania Event Report ID No.: PA200007

  • * * UPDATE ON 04/07/2020 AT 1353 EDT FROM JOHN CHIPPO TO JEFFREY WHITED * * *

The following was received from the State of Pennsylvania via E-mail: The patient was prescribed TheraSphere Y-90 Microspheres at 2.47 GBq total with 2.25 Gbq prescribed to the liver because of 9.1 percent lung shunt. The licensee reports total dose 1.536 GBq, and 1.4 GBq to liver. Ultimately only 62.7 percent (75.3 Gy) of the planned dose was able to be administered to segment 6 of the liver. While attempting to administer the Y-90 dose to treat a lesion in Segment 6 of the liver there was significant resistance to flow. The AU evaluated the microcatheter system to ensure that there were no kinks along the catheter course external to the patient or visualized internally under fluoroscopy. The licensee believes the issue came from blockage at or before the 'E' site on the labeled tubing of the administration set, given that when it was disconnected from the microcatheter at that location, they were able to successfully flush the catheter. The patient then had a subsequent segment 7 segmentectomy using tubing from a box set from a different lot number without incident. No adverse effects to the patient are anticipated and the patient and referring physician were notified the day of the event. Notified R1DO (Lilliendahl) and NMSS Events Notification via email. A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.

ENS 5460825 March 2020 11:58:00The following was received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania via email: The (Pennsylvania) Department (of Environmental Protection) received notification from a licensee on March 23, 2020 of the loss or theft of four tritium exit signs during shipment from the manufacturer/distributor in Canada to distributer/installer in (Winter Haven,) Florida. The tritium exit signs are model number 880-20-1-BK-BA-MB, 12.57 Curies each for a total of 50.28 Curies. The serial numbers are: H135434, H135435, H135436, H135437. The shipper believes the package was delivered on December 5, 2019, but the Florida installer didn't determine the material to be lost until March 13, 2020. An investigation with (the common carrier) has already begun to find the package. The (Department) will update this event as soon as more information is provided. The Department will perform a reactive inspection as soon as possible. PA Event Report ID No: PA200006 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
ENS 5454225 February 2020 13:49:00The following report was received via email from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: During an inspection on February 20, 2020, an above normal reading on a Cesium-137 level gauge source head was discovered. Radiation measurements ranged from approximately 15 to 45 millirem per hour at one foot from the back of the source holder cap. It should be noted this gauge is located 11.5 feet off the ground, in an area with no stationed personnel or foot traffic. The device is a Kayray Model 7062B level gauge (Serial No. 21462) containing 25 milliCuries of Cs-137. The licensee immediately removed the device from service, the area was secured to ensure background radiation levels, and the manufacturer was contacted to initiate either a repair or replacement of the gauge. The area will remain secured until the device is able to be put into service again. PA incident number: PA200005
ENS 5449729 January 2020 14:31:00

The following was received from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: On January 29, 2020, the licensee informed the Department that one of their vehicles, with a nuclear density gauge in the trunk, was stolen earlier that day. The licensee has filed a police report. The Department has been in contact with the licensee and will update this event as soon as more information is provided. The gauge is a CPN International, Model MC-1 DR-P (Serial Number: M7077803), with a 10 mCi Cs-137 source and a 50 mCi Am-241/Be source. PA Event Report ID No.: PA200002

  • * * UPDATE ON 1/30/2020 AT 1346 EST FROM JOHN CHIPPO TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *

The following was received from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection (the Department) via email: At approximately 2250 EST on January 29, 2020 the licensee informed the Department the stolen car had been recovered with the gauge still padlocked in the trunk of the car and secured with a padlocked chain. The employee had started his car and then returned to his house to get his lunch, and the car was stolen during this time. Notified R1DO (Henrion), NMSS Events (email), ILTAB (email), and CNSC (email). THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

ENS 5444817 December 2019 10:44:00

EN Revision Imported Date : 1/10/2020 AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - HIGH DOSE RATE APPLICATOR DISLODGED The following was received from the PA Department Bureau of Radiation Protection (DEP) via fax: On December 16, 2019, the medical physicist for the licensee verbally reported that during an HDR (high dose rate) treatment using a Varian Model VariSource IX with a Tandem & Ovoid applicator, the applicator was found dislodged at the end of the treatment period. This was fraction 4 of 5 planned fractions. It is unknown at this time how long the applicator was not in the planned position or what caused it to move. The prescribed dose was 600 cGy from a 5.126 Ci Iridium-192 source. No further information is available at this time. The DEP will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Event Report ID No: PA190029 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.

  • * * UPDATE ON 1/9/20 AT 1:17 PM FROM JOHN CHIPPO TO KARL DIEDERICH * * *

The following information was received from the Agreement State via fax: The patient was seen on 12/27/2019, 12/30/2019, and 1/6/2020 for follow-up appointments. Observed skin effects were described as 'moist desquamation' due to the applicator being dislodged from the vaginal canal and positioned against the skin. The patient is being treated with Silvadene topical cream and will be followed up with regular skin checks. Based on the evidence observed, the licensee assumes that the applicator was against the skin long enough to deliver a skin dose in the range of 10-30 Gy. This dose makes the event a potential Abnormal Occurrence. The Department has performed a reactive inspection and continues to investigate the event. Notified R1DO (Schroeder) and NMSS group (via e-mail).

ENS 5438514 November 2019 10:40:00The following was received from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP; the Department) via email: The Department received initial verbal notification from a licensee on November 8, 2019 of a possible reportable event with a detailed report on November 13, 2019 that on November 8, 2019 a reportable event occurred during an eye plaque implant (Theragenics model AgX100) containing 13 lodine-125 seeds. The seed activity was 3.728 mCi per seed for a total activity of 48.46 mCi. The prescribed dose was 8,500 rad with a planned treatment time of 101 hours. The implant was placed at 0745 (EDT) on 11/8/19. At approximately 0815 the patient complained of excessive pain. It is believed that the eye plaque had become dislodged from its proper position. It was removed at 1731 the same day. The licensee initial worst-case dose estimate to the normal sclera, conjunctiva and cornea is 1,899 rad at a depth of 1 mm for an 8.5 hour exposure. The dose at 2mm for this same time period is 1,425 rad. Both the patient and surgeon were notified. The effects on the patient are currently being evaluated. The DEP will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Event Report ID No: PA190027 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 543767 November 2019 14:08:00

EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MEDICAL EVENT The following was received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania via email: The Department (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) received notification from a licensee on November 6, 2019 that on October 8, 2019 they performed a prostate seed implant on a patient including seventy (70) stranded I-125 seeds that were implanted into the prostate treatment volume. They were Best Medical, Model 2301, Lot 48917, at 0.350 mCi per seed and 24.5 mCi total activity. The patient had an appointment on November 5, 2019 for a 30-day post-plan analysis. The CT from November 5, 2019 noted 2 seeds that were outside the prostate volume in the peril-prostatic fat. The post-plan analysis showed that 68 of 70 seeds are within the treatment volume and 94.4 percent of the treatment volume is covered by the prescription dose, which are within appropriate specifications for a prostate seed implant. The two seeds in question are considered discontinuous from the treatment volume. The licensee believes when the needle was retracted, the strand of seeds drug back with the needle and was deposited inferior from their intended location. An analysis was performed by the licensee and no adverse effects to the patient are expected. Both the patient and referring physician were notified. The Department will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Pennsylvania Event Report ID No: PA190026 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 11/19/19 AT 1148 EST FROM JOHN CHIPPO TO THOMAS KENDZIA * * *

The following was received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania via fax: As a result of a reactive inspection by the Department and an extensive review by the licensee, the licensee has determined the tissue containing the two seeds is within the contiguous peril-prostatic fat, which is actually physically adjacent to or touching the prostate, therefore this is not a reportable event. Further, changes noted in the radiograph taken on the day of the implant and the post-plan CT can be accounted for by the difference in patient positioning; from the lithotomy position for the implant image to the supine position for the post-plan image. Notified the R1DO (Cahill) and NMSS Event Notification via email.

ENS 543726 November 2019 09:12:00The following information was received via fax: On November 4, 2019 the licensee was performing a mask treatment with the Elekta Gamma Knife Icon containing Cobalt 60. The treatment was interrupted when the High Definition Motion Management tracking system lost communication with 1 minute and 29 seconds remaining from shot B6, (planned for 2 minutes 13 seconds) and 2 minutes 36 seconds remaining for B3 (No treatment was delivered from this shot). The sources safely retracted into their home position and the software message prompted the user to reinitiate the Gamma Knife system; however, an error message occurred on each attempt to reinitiate. The system was then rebooted; however, the same error occurred again. The patient was removed from the treatment vault and a service call was made to Elekta. The onsite service engineer arrived that same day to troubleshoot and new parts were ordered and arrived on November 5, 2019. The intent is to complete the remaining treatment on November 5, 2019 once the Gamma knife repair and subsequent QA is completed. The doctor and patient were informed immediately. No overdose to anyone has occurred and no harm is expected to the patient. The (PA Bureau of Radiation Protection) will update this event as soon as more information is provided. Pennsylvania Event Report ID No: PA190025 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
ENS 5434624 October 2019 11:51:00The following information was received via E-mail: The licensee informed the Department (Pennsylvania Department of Radiation Protection) that a brachytherapy seed set was implanted in the wrong patient. It is reportable per 10 CFR 35.3045(a)(2)(iii)(B). On October 23, 2019, the licensee was performing a permanent brachytherapy during which an incorrect prostate brachytherapy seed set (lsoRay Model CS-1) was brought to the procedure room and 6 Cs-131 seeds were implanted into the prostate of a patient. The procedure was stopped immediately when the error was recognized. The correct seeds were then brought to the operating room and the procedure was completed using the correct seeds. Forty Seven (47) seeds, 85 gray, (3.135 mCi) were prescribed and 3.03 mCi given. The Authorized User notified the urologist and patient this morning (10/24/19). No harm is expected to the patient. The cause of the event is unknown at this time. The Department will perform a reactive inspection. More information will be provided as received. Pennsylvania Event Report ID No: PA190024 A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.