Radioactive contamination of packing materials from a xenon-133 shipment.
OBJECTIVE
We report on radioactive contamination of packing materials from a 133Xe shipment.


METHODS
A 2-vial 133Xe shipment was monitored using a survey meter before opening. Both vials were immediately assayed in a dose calibrator. The packing materials were monitored and contamination was detected.


RESULTS
The maximum surface reading of the shipment was 7.0 microSv/h. This was higher than previous shipments (1.1 +/- 0.3 microSv/h). One vial was 544 MBq while the other vial was only 474 MBq. Previous shipments were 565 +/- 13 MBq/vial. Monitoring and imaging revealed 133Xe contamination within the packing materials. Xenon-133 escaped from the packing materials over time. The lower activity vial continued to leak 133Xe over time.


CONCLUSIONS
Careful monitoring of 133Xe shipments before and after opening along with assaying vials on receipt can indicate vial leakage and radioactive contamination so steps can be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the staff.
Hackett
M T
MT
Radiation Safety Office and Nuclear Medicine Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky 40511-1093, USA. hackett.michael_t@lexington.med.va.gov
Magoun
S L
SL
D006801:Humans; D011137:Polystyrenes; D019064:Product Packaging; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D014980:Xenon Radioisotopes
D011137:Polystyrenes; D014980:Xenon Radioisotopes