Radiogland Therapy (RLT) – Safety Information for Providers and Patients
Department Specific Guidance
The following precautions apply within the first 72 hours after infusion. After 72 hours, standard precautions are sufficient. Lutetium 177 has a physical half life of 6.7 days; however, most radioactivity is cleared via urine in the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Treat all emergencies normally. Do not delay for radiation concerns
- Gloves for direct contact with bodily fluids (standard precaution)
- Minimize time in prolonged close contact (less than 3 ft) for non urgent tasks
- If urinary catheter needed: double glove; dispose of urine via standard drain
- If patient vomits: gloves and mask; dispose of emesis as radioactive waste if within 24 hours
- Pregnant staff may request reassignment for non emergent extended contact
- Notify charge nurse to flag chart if patient will be held overnight
- Private room preferred if admitted within 72 hours of infusion
- Limit unnecessary time in room. Complete tasks efficiently
- Gloves for all patient contact involving bodily fluids
- Toilet flushing: flush twice after patient use; patient should sit to void
- Linens: standard laundry. No special handling required
- Visitors: limit to 3 or more feet distance; no prolonged visits by pregnant individuals or children under 18
- Notify nuclear medicine or radiation oncologist on admission for further guidance
- Standard imaging (CT, MRI, X ray) can be performed without special setup
- Gamma camera and SPECT: patient may show residual lutetium 177 signal. Notify nuclear medicine
- Blood draws and IV access: standard gloves; no special handling of specimens
- Interventional procedures: notify IR team; radiation oncologist available for guidance at 508‑973‑3055
- Elective surgery: defer if possible until more than 72 hours post infusion
- Emergency surgery: proceed normally. Radiation risk to surgical team is low
- Double glove for extended procedures involving blood or urine
- Surgical specimens: notify pathology that patient is on RLT. Label specimens accordingly
- Anesthesia: no special modifications; standard airway management
Never delay emergency care due to radiation concerns. The radiation levels emitted by Pluvicto patients, even within the first 24 hours, are low and pose no acute risk to healthcare staff during standard clinical activities. Standard universal precautions are sufficient for most care. The precautions below are practical guidelines to minimize cumulative exposure during extended contact.
Blood and urine samples can be handled with standard universal precautions. Urine within the first 24 hours has the highest activity. Dispose via standard plumbing (dilution in municipal water systems is safe and compliant). If the patient has a foley catheter, drain bag contents can be emptied to toilet with standard gloves. Contact our Radiation Oncologist if any questions arise about waste management.
- Medical alert bracelet: Radioligand Therapy Patient, Observe Radiation Precautions, Southcoast Health
- Wallet card with infusion date, cycle number, last treatment date, and QR code linking to this page
- Epic Storyboard banner (within Southcoast system): Observe Radiation Precautions, Active 72 hours post infusion
Patient Guidance – What You Can Tell Your Providers
Call us immediately if you have a fever over 100.4°F, have difficulty breathing or show signs of infection or unusual bleeding.
- I am receiving Pluvicto® (lutetium 177 PSMA therapy) for prostate cancer at Southcoast Health
- My last infusion was on: (date of infusion)
- My treating physician is at Southcoast Radiation Oncology
- Please call my care team:508‑973‑3055
- Days 1 to 3:Sleep separately, stay 3 or more feet from others, sit to use toilet, flush twice
- 7 days:No sexual activity; avoid close contact with children
- 14 weeks:Use contraception (treatment may affect fertility)
- Carry your wallet card for 3 months after your last treatment
Always carry the wallet card issued by Southcoast Health. It contains your treatment dates, cycle number, treating physician contact, and a QR code linking directly to this page. Show it to any provider who treats you.
