Bill,
according to our radiation safety officer, the half-life of Technetium is 2
1/2 days.  When we receive sentinal nodes, we place them in a container,
place the container in the back of the storage room for three days.  After
three days, the pathologist will gross the specimen.  We store the specimen
with the other specimens.  The first several times we had radiation safety
come in with a geiger counter.  After 3 days, the specimen didn't register.
Hope this helps.

Joe Nocito, B.S., HT(ASCP)QIHC
Histology Supervisor
Christus Santa Rosa Hospitals
San Antonio, Texas 

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Bill Sinai (Anatomical Pathology)
> [SMTP:Bills@icpmr.wsahs.nsw.gov.au]
> Sent:	Thursday, September 23, 1999 8:10 AM
> To:	Histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject:	Sentinel node
> 
> Breast and sentinel nodes received for Histopathology still contain 
> an amount of Technetium when received in  the laboratory.  What 
> precautions (if any) do laboratories have in place to protect staff 
> from exposure to this risk. 
> 
> It has been suggested from several sources that the radiation 
> levels are minimal, however, there seems to be some dispute among 
> pathologists as to how the specimen should be:
> 
> 1.  Handled and stored prior to dissection.
> 2.  Handled at dissection.
> 3.  Any protection or warning that should be offered to staff.
> 4.  Stored after dissection.
> 
> Any information would be appreciated.
> Many thanks.
> 
> Bill Sinai
> Department Manager
> Tissue Pathology
> ICPMR Westmead Hospital 
> WESTMEAD NSW AUSTRALIA
> Phone 61+2+9845 7774  Fax 61+2+9687 2330