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Table 5 Data for N partially used vials discarded in 2 bags, measured to determine (ER/2BKG) ratios

From: Dealing with dry waste disposal issues associated with 177mLu impurities: a long-term challenge for nuclear medicine departments

Period of treatments

December 2017–December 2018

First half 2019

Vials July 2021

Number of vials stored (N)

10

9

Storage time of vials (median [range] in months)

34.6 [32.2–43.6]

29.1 [26.1–30.9]

Residual activity per vial (median [range] in kBq)

100 [26–165]

210 [105–615]

(ER/2BKG) Ratio* (median [range])

8 [4.0–14]

15.0 [8.3–41.3]

Additional storage time required (months)

24

36

Calculated date of disposal

July 2023

July 2024

Compliance with predicted storage times (5 years)

YES

YES

Bags July 2021

Number of bags containing N vials

1

1

Total residual activity in one bag (MBq)

0.92

2.32

(ER/2BKG) Ratio*

50

183

Additional storage time required (months)

36

48

Calculated date of disposal

July 2024

July 2025

Compliance with predicted storage times (5 years)

NO

NO

  1. *ER  Exposure rate measured in contact with the container; 2BKG = 0.1 μSv.h−1regulatory clearance level of twice-the-background