When is a brachytherapy source considered leaky or contaminated?

A brachytherapy source is considered leaky or contaminated when the activity detected exceeds 185 Bq. This threshold is significant in the context of radiation safety and dosimetry, as it indicates a higher than acceptable level of radioactive material emanating from the source.

When assessing brachytherapy sources, regulatory bodies establish specific activity levels that define safe operation limits. An activity detection above 185 Bq suggests that there may be an unwanted release of radioactive material, which can pose risks not only to the patient but also to medical staff and the surrounding environment. This standard is in place to ensure that any containment breaches can be promptly addressed to minimize exposure and maintain safety protocols.

In the context of the other options, while thresholds like 50 Bq, 100 Bq, and 250 Bq might be relevant, they do not align with the recognized criteria for classifying a brachytherapy source as leaky or contaminated. The correct identification of this threshold is essential for proper handling, safety assessments, and regulatory compliance in clinical settings.