Database of radiological incidents and related events--Johnston's Archive
South Bend radiotherapy accident, 2004
compiled by Wm. Robert Johnston
last modified 1 November 2007
Date:
26 January - 22 March 2004
Location:
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, Indiana, United States
Type of event:
radiotherapy accident
Description:
Three women received localized overdoses during brachytherapy using cesium-137 sources. The brachytherapy applicator was loaded with sources of the incorrect size, allowing the sources to migrate from the intended position and cause localized doses to the skin of the upper thigh of 2,000, 2,000, and 1,500 rad, respectively. All three patients developed skin lesions on the inner thigh after two weeks.
Consequences:
3 injuries
References:
© 2007 by Wm. Robert Johnston.
Last modified 1 November 2007.
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