Citation

Tajiri J, Hamada K, Maruta T, Mizokami T, Higashi K. Endocr. Pract. 2016; 22(8): 980-982.

Affiliation

From: Tajiri Thyroid Clinic; Kumamoto, Japan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists)

DOI

10.4158/EP161234.OR

PMID

27124691

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Ultraviolet-perception type flame sensors detect gamma rays emitted from I-131. Explaining the possibility of flame sensor activation to patients when they receive (131)I to treat Graves' disease or other ablative purposes is important. We investigate the current situation of flame sensor activation after RI therapy.

METHODS: A total of 318 patients (65 men and 253 women) with Graves' disease who received RI therapy at our clinic between November 2007 and June 2014 participated in this study. Patients were given both written and oral explanations regarding the possibility of flame sensor activation. Participants were surveyed employing a questionnaire. The following question was asked: "Did the fire alarm (flame sensor) go off when you used a restroom in places like shopping centers within a few days after your isotope therapy?" To those who answered "yes", we asked where the fire alarm had gone off.

RESULTS: Of the 318 patients, 19 (6.0%) answered "yes", two of whom were male while 17 were female. Of the 299 (94.0%) patients who answered "no", 63 were male and 236 were female. As to the place of restroom sensor activation, shopping centers were reported by nine patients, supermarkets by five, airports by two and a bookstore, the Kyushu Shinkansen (bullet train) and a hospital by one each.

CONCLUSION: Explaining to patients the possibility of flame sensor activation after RI therapy is important in order to avoid some complications especially in security sensitive areas.

Language: en