Safety Precautions of Technetium-99m
Handling tools and standard laboratory equipment (gloves, lab coat, safety glasses) should be used to minimise exposure. Because of the relatively low gamma ray constant, lead shielding at a workstation will only be required where sources with activities greater than about 100 MBq are handled in an unshielded condition. Appropriate signs should be placed where people can see them.
General handling precautions for Technetium-99m:
- Designate area for handling 99Tc and clearly label all containers.
- Prohibit eating, drink
- Wear disposable lab coat, gloves and wrist guards for secondary protection.
- Select gloves appropriate for chemicals handled.
- Maintain contamination control by regularly monitoring and promptly decontaminating gloves and surfaces.
Ingestion, inhalation, skin and eye contact should be avoided. Care should be taken to minimize radiation exposure. Generator should be kept within its container and appropriate radiation shielding should be used. Avoid direct handling by using remote manipulation tools. Wear eye protection when handling Wash hands after handling to minimize exposure. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid exposure.
Storage
Storage and disposal of product should be controlled in a manner compliant with governmental regulations. Store and handle in a designated area. Store at room temperature (20 - 25°C). Keep away from heat, sparks and flames. Container Requirements: Store in sturdy containers appropriate. Keep material in a lead container.
Disposal
Safe disposal of the radioactive waste is a vital component of the overall management of the hospital waste. An important objective in radioactive waste management is to ensure that the radiation exposure to an individual and the environment does not exceed the prescribed safe limits.The bulk of the hospital radioactive waste gets generated in the department of Nuclear Medicine.
Although 99mTc decays very rapidly, wastes stored in the laboratory containing more than about 50 MBq may require shielding with lead sheet. Wastes should be monitored with a survey meter to ensure radiation levels are acceptable.