Contamination results when a radioisotope (as gas, liquid, or solid) is released into the environment and then ingested, inhaled, or deposited on the body surface.
How to diagnose:
Scan with appropriate radiation survey meter
As appropriate: swab orifices, obtain spot and/or 24 hour urine/stool sample for radioactivity
Whole-body scanner or hospital nuclear medicine equipment
Internal Contamination
Internal contamination results when radioactive material is taken into the body via inhalation or ingestion or open wounds.
Internal contamination continues until the radioactive material decays, is flushed from the body by natural processes, or is removed by medical countermeasures.
Types of internal contamination:
Via radioactive dust in open wounds: Small radioactive particles in open wounds may be absorbed into the body via blood or lymphatic channels.
Via respiratory tract: When aerosol particles are inhaled, those measuring <5 micrometers can reach the alveoli, whereas larger particles will remain in proximal airways. Tiny particles can be absorbed by the lymphatic system or the blood stream, or continue to irradiate locally until exhaled, removed, or depleted of their radioactivity.
Via digestive tract: If swallowed, soluble ones may be absorbed in the upper tract, whereas insoluble radioactive particles may affect the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Depending on the specific radioisotope, particles in the GI tract may be lavaged, expelled, and/or removed using drugs.
