The gamma rays have properties like x-rays. They pass out of the patient's body, and therefore present a potential external hazard to bystanders. To reduce this hazard, some patients may be housed in special lead-lined rooms on Division 9300. Minimize your time in the room. Remember, no matter how long you are in the room , you will not receive a radiation exposure large enough to cause adverse health effects.
Radiation exposure drops off drastically with increasing distance.
Upon leaving the room, remove gloves and shoe covers and place them in the trash box inside the room. All initial measures necessary to sustain the patient should be undertaken, regardless of radiation considerations. See our Code 5 Contingency Page for details. In general, lead aprons are minimally effective and their routine use during ordinary caregiving is not recommended. These patients usually do not require hospitalization for radiation protection purposes, since there is no external hazard.