Release card and precaution period

Instructions can only be followed and measures can only be taken when all those concerned, know about the fact that somebody still holds a certain amount of radioactivity due to recent treatment with a radioactive product.

To inform all those concerned, the “radioactive person” should carry the release card at all times preferably next to the identity card during a certain “precaution period”. Precaution periods are determined for the different radioactive products available.

This release card is useful in the following situations:

  • If a person needs to be re-admitted to hospital or in the case of a medical emergency (e.g. heart attack, trauma, traffic accident, urgent surgery, resuscitation,…) shortly after the administration of a radioactive product, the release card informs the local physicians and nurses that that person still holds a certain amount of radioactivity. This way, they can further inform themselves and, if necessary, take protective measures. This person must receive the same care and treatment as anyone else.
     
  • In case of decease of a person shortly after the administration after a radioactive product, it is possible that his or her body still holds a certain amount of radioactivity. More information on the webpagina FR or NL.
     
  • If a person triggers an alarm of a radiation detector shortly after the administration of a radioactive product (for example at the airport), he must show the release card to the security personnel. This way, they can further inform themselves and make informed decisions.

For security reasons, the release card is made available to the nuclear physicians and to the radiation oncologists only on the secured area of the website of their respective professional associations, BELNUC and BeSTRO.

With this “Calculator”, the end of the precaution period can be calculated for the different radioactive products, administered activities and indications. 

If a person dies during this calculated precaution period, it must be recalculated by the nuclear physician or radiation oncologist in consultation with the radiation protection expert.

 

Laatst aangepast op: 21/08/2020