What action must be taken when a brachytherapy source is found to be leaky?

When a brachytherapy source is found to be leaky, the immediate priority is to ensure the safety of personnel and patients, and isolating the source is a critical first step. This action minimizes the risk of radiation exposure to staff and patients, as a leaky source may pose a potential hazard by emitting unplanned radiation.

Isolating the source allows for a controlled environment in which further assessment and appropriate actions can be taken, such as evaluating whether to report the incident to regulatory authorities and determining the next steps for patient safety and treatment continuity. This proactive measure helps to manage the situation effectively and ensure that appropriate safety protocols are followed.

Following the isolation, the process typically involves notifying the relevant regulatory bodies and conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the leak. Additionally, patient notification may be necessary based on circumstances regarding exposure. However, the initial focus should be on isolation to contain the risk.