own
USA
Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within radiology that helps evaluate different organ systems, including
kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, thyroid, and bones. For many diseases, nuclear medicine is the most reliable
method for making diagnoses and determining appropriate treatments.
While therapeutic nuclear medicine may use large amounts of radioactive materials, diagnostic nuclear
medicine uses small amounts of radioisotopes, typically technitium-99m, given intravenously or orally. In
order to target a specific organ system, the radioisotope, or "tracer", is combined with a chemical known to
accumulate in that system. This compound is called a "radiopharmaceutical agent." When it collects in the
organ being evaluated, a gamma camera detects gamma rays emitted by the tracer. This data is fed into a
computer where it is used to produce images and other information about the organ system.
Nuclear medicine has been used for more than half a century to diagnose and treat many diseases.
Who is protecting you
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Under the Atomic Energy Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is responsible for regulating uses
of radioactive material, including radiopharmaceuticals. NRC requires licensing of all nuclear medicine
facilities. The license assures that the facility has a radiation protection program to protect both the patients
and the staff. In addition, the staff must meet certain standards of training and experience to be allowed to
administer radioactive material to patients.
The States
Each state has one or more radiation programs that ensure the safe use of radioactive materials. NRC has
transferred regulatory authority over the use of this material to 34 NRC Agreement States. In these states, the
regulatory authority inspects facilities to ensure the staff is trained properly and the equipment is operating
safely.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research regulates radiopharmaceuticals, ensuring effectiveness
and patient safety.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The mission of NIST is to develop and promote measurement, standards, and technology to enhance
productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. Although anon-regulatory federal agency, NIST
develops the standards for correct patient dosage of radiopharmaceuticals.
What you can do to protect yourself
Talk to a doctor about the risks associated with using nuclear medicine. If you are receiving treatment, follow
all instructions given to you by your physician or the radiation safety officer at the facility. Patients who are
pregnant, might be pregnant, or are breast feeding should notify their doctors before undergoing treatment.
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6608J)
EPA402-F-06-035 | April 2006
www.epa.gov/radtown/nuclear-medicine.htm
-------
RadTown USA
Resources
You can explore this radiation source further through the resources at the following URL:
http://www.epa.gov/radtown/nuclear-medicine.htmtfresources
We provide these resources on-line rather than here so we can keep the links up-to-date.
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6608J) | EPA 402-F-06-035
April 2006
www.epa.gov/radtown/nuclear-medicine.htm
------- |