The following information was received from the state of
Maryland via email:
On July 10, 2019, a health physics consultant contacted the Maryland Department of the Environment Radiological Health Program (MDE/RHP) concerning a discovery during a routine audit conducted on July 10, 2019 at a licensed medical facility.
A review of incoming Department of Transportation wipe/survey listing reports at the licensed facility [St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, MD] indicated that two packages received on June 12, 2019 from the radiopharmacy had high wipe test values recorded at 400,000 dpm per 100 cm2. These values were documented for surface and contents of the packages. Both packages were labeled as White I and had no abnormal outer package surface exposure rate readings. The computer record contained a note stating that, 'dpm verified and Cardinal [Health] notified. Case stored for decay.'
The technologists did not notify the Radiation Safety Officer or MDE/RHP. The cases were opened, the doses unpacked, and used. The computer record indicated good condition for each box. One box contained one syringe of Tc-99m Ceretec at 17.25 mCi. The other box contained one vial of Tc-99m sodium pertechnetate at 104.22 mCi, one syringe of Tc-99m macro aggregated albumin at 10.61 mCi, and one syringe Tc-99m Sestamibi at 30.41 mCi.
A reactive inspection is planned [by the state of Maryland].
Cardinal Health was the radiopharmaceutical provider. The delivery vehicle and the driver were both surveyed on June 12, 2019, with negative results. No other contaminations or any
overexposures were identified when the hospital performed surveys of the facility.