Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA)

The Oklahoma State Department of Health, through a program with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maintains a forward deployment of injectable Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA).  DTPA is effective as a countermeasure against certain types of radiation poisoning if used within 8 to 12 hours after a radiological (dirty bomb) attack or accidental radiological release.

DTPA is a chelating agent which binds and holds onto radioactive materials in the body.  Once bound to a radioactive material, the agent is then excreted from the body naturally.  DTPA is effective against plutonium, americium and curium and is administered through injection.  It comes in 5 ml (200mm mg/ml) clear glass ampoules.  

The metro areas of Oklahoma City and Tulsa each have a quantity of DTPA to treat several hundred patients.  The material is a stable chemical when kept at normal room temperature and humidity.  Existing supplies are stored in medical facilities and are easily transportable to the site of an incident whenever needed.

For more information on DTPA please follow the links below.

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/dtpa.asp

http://www2a.cdc.gov/phtn/nuclear05/default.asp