A computer program for calculation of approximate embryo/fetus radiation dose in nuclear medicine applications

Mol Imaging Radionucl Ther. 2012 Apr;21(1):19-22. doi: 10.4274/Mirt.99. Epub 2012 Apr 1.

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to make a computer program that calculates approximate radiation dose received by embryo/fetus in nuclear medicine applications.

Material and methods: Radiation dose values per MBq-1 received by embryo/fetus in nuclear medicine applications were gathered from literature for various stages of pregnancy. These values were embedded in the computer code, which was written in Fortran 90 program language.

Results: The computer program called nmfdose covers almost all radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine applications. Approximate radiation dose received by embryo/fetus can be calculated easily at a few steps using this computer program.

Conclusion: Although there are some constraints on using the program for some special cases, nmfdose is useful and it provides practical solution for calculation of approximate dose to embryo/fetus in nuclear medicine applications.

Conflict of interest: None declared.

Keywords: Pregnancy; nuclear medicine; radiation dosage.