Radiation safety with positron emission tomography and computed tomography

Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2010 Feb;31(1):39-45. doi: 10.1053/j.sult.2009.09.005.

Abstract

Combined positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) has proven clinical utility, particularly in the diagnosis, staging, and management of cancer. The use of PET/CT has grown substantially in the past few years, with an increasing number of hospitals and imaging centers installing PET/CT systems each year. The combination of 2 procedures, which each imparting a radiation dose and hence the potential for deleterious health effects, creates unique radiation safety issues. This article addresses the radiation safety issues posed by PET/CT with regard to the protection and safety of PET/CT personnel, the public, and adult and pediatric patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Lactation
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / standards*
  • Pregnancy
  • Radiation Protection / instrumentation
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Safety*
  • Technology, Radiologic
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / standards*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18