Sylvia:

This information was issued by the Department of Health Services here in
California.  It is dated March 11, 1999.  Radiation Safety Adivisory 99-1.  
	"The dose to a surgeon from  a three-hour procedure involving a one
(1)mCi Tc-99m sulfur colloid lymphoscintigraph procedure is less that 0.1
mrem.  Radiation-absorbed doses to others in the operating room is no more
that that to the surgeon, and absorbed doses to staff in the pathology
department are much lower.
	"The Radiation Safety Office and the nuclear medicine authorized
user(s) are responsible for the education of surgical and pathology staff as
well as the direct handling and administration of the radiopharmaceutical.
In addition, due to radiation detectors at many commerical medical waste
treatment centers, it is wise for the RSO to avoid the consequence of
detectable radioactivity at the landfill, even though these low levels due
to Tc-99m are not safety concerns.
> ----------
> From: 	Sylvia Hewell[SMTP:SHewell@deli2000.com]
> Sent: 	Wednesday, April 12, 2000 10:56 AM
> To: 	'HistoNet@pathology.swmed.edu'
> Subject: 	Sentinel lymph nodes - Safety Procedures
> 
> I have read the responses to the original questions regarding sentinel
> node
> safety procedures. While we are currently processing sentinel nodes and
> are
> following a general safety policy, we would still like to have a source
> (i.e. CAP, etc.) in an official capacity for documentation of these safety
> procedures. Help with finding this information would be appreciated.
> 
> 
> Sylvia Hewell, HT(ASCP)
> Medical Center of Lewisville
> Lewisville, TX
>