Use of Prussian Blue (Ferric Hexacyanoferrate) for Decorporation of Radiocaesium - RCE 17

Synopsis

This document provides advice on the use of Prussian Blue (ferric hexacyanoferrate) as a decorporation agent in the event of poisoning with radiocaesium. It has been developed by the Health Protection Agency in partnership with a number of organisations using the scientific evidence available and advice from other countries.
The advice covers how radiocaesium contamination would be detected in the population and requirements for triage, dose assessment and monitoring, including timing and guidelines for the internal contamination levels at which treatment is advised. It also covers doses for adults and children, side-effects, duration of treatment and on-treatment monitoring. There is an appendix with draft public information leaflets for use in a contamination event, based on the proposed triage, monitoring and treatment guidelines.
Prussian Blue is a medical treatment, not suitable for mass distribution. The advice does not cover the logistics of arranging for prescription of this treatment in the NHS nor the use of Prussian Blue as an antidote for thallium poisoning.
Addendum on consultation results:

On 20 June 2010 the HPA published a draft of this advice for public consultation. The consultation closed on 20 September 2010. The organisations and people who commented, their comments and the changes made to the document as a result are described in here.

Additional information

New guidance on use of radiation decontamination drug – press release

Last reviewed: 17 February 2011