The following information was received from the state of Alabama via facsimile:
"On January 16, 2020 at approximately 1445 CST, [the radiation safety officer (RSO)] of Alabama licensee East Alabama Medical Center notified the Alabama Office of Radiation Control [the Agency] that a patient apparently received more dose than prescribed during a treatment via HDR [high dose rate] afterloader on or around Thursday, 1/9/2020. [The RSO] stated that he noted the matter yesterday (1/15/20 at around 1530); he stated that the physician associated with the patient's case confirmed [the RSO's] concerns about the patient's dose. [The RSO] reported that the patient apparently received dose in 1 fraction that was to be administered over 2-3 fractions. The Agency has no further information on this matter as of the date of submission of this memo.
"Of note, East Alabama Medical Center is authorized to possess and use an Elekta Flexitron model 136149A02 HDR medical irradiator under Alabama license 105, with a maximum of 12 Ci of Ir-192."
Alabama Event 20-01
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.