2.  It is the temporary implant of low dose rate
brachytherapy seed to localize one or many
non-palpable lesion.

3.  I-125 adsorbed onto silver, encased in titanium
 Half-life of I-125 is 60 days
 No contamination issues as long as not damaged or
casing breached.
 No significant dose to those handling seeds if handled
properly
 No dosimeters required
 Studies have shown no increase in physician or
technologist exposure

4.  Patient comfort
 Flexibility in SX appt
 5 day limit

6.  Agreement State
 Under the agreement of the United States
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
 Radioactive material is regulated by the
Virginia Department of Health

7.  Authorized Users
 Regulatory training and experience
requirements
 Approved by UVA Radiation Safety
Committee
 Lead RadioSeed Techonologist

8. RadioSeed
Technologist
Vendor
RadioSeed
Technologist
Breast Care Center
Package is Checked in
Inventory is created for new seeds
Radiation Safety Department
Package is Checked
in
Inventory is created for new seeds

11. Needs
 Preoperative blood work
 Sx date scheduled
 Written Directive
 Patient Records/Consent
Form
Needs
 Copy of Procedure
 Survey Instrument
 Emergency response
equipment/numbers
 Decay chart
 Seed needle
 Local Anesthetic

12. Precautions
 ALARA
 Needle Stick
 Losing seed
 Not identifying pt has
seed
 Survey Instrument
malfunction
Precautions
 Never MRI
 Can’t leave room until
seed location is
confirmed in breast
 Lymphoscintigraphy
 Security

13.  Patient Consent
 Patient identity is verified
 Doors are locked
 Patient is positioned under stereotactic paddle/US
 Written Directive

14.  Images taken
 Determination of needle length and activity
determined
 Technologist retrieves seed from locked cabinet
security maintained on remaining seeds
 Seed is logged out of inventory

16.  Time out performed
 Survey of needle with survey instrument done to
confirm seed is present
 Needle is positioned
 Seed is placed

18.  Confirmation that seed was placed successfully in
breast is done with survey instrument
 Technologist will write “SEED” directly on patients
breast that contains seed. As well as number of
seeds placed
 Patient given marker to take home to maintain this
marking

20.  Post placement images taken
 Green armband is placed
 Patient given mammogram images documenting
placement
 Localization report completed
 AU signs post procedural section of WD

22. WhenWhen

26. HowHow

29. Where do the seeds end up?Where do the seeds end up?