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18F-FDG PET/CT

Radiation Dose Assessment After 18F-FDG PET/CT Scans: Safe Release Guidelines

June 2023

Understanding Radiation Exposure in PET/CT Imaging

18F-FDG PET/CT is a powerful diagnostic tool in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. However, because the scans involve radioactive tracers, it’s crucial for imaging providers to follow strict safety standards for both patients and healthcare staff.

A 2023 study in the Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine analyzed radiation exposure after 18F-FDG injection, measuring dose levels at varying distances and time intervals. The findings confirm that patients may be safely discharged two hours after the scan without exceeding public radiation exposure limits.

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Study Overview: Measuring PET/CT Radiation Exposure

Researchers measured radiation from 117 patients undergoing whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT scans using a calibrated RadEye SPRD-ER detector. Measurements were taken:

    • At five distances: 0 cm, 30 cm, 100 cm, 150 cm, and 200 cm
    • At multiple time points: immediately post-injection, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and at patient discharge

Key Findings: Radiation Exposure Drops Quickly Over Time

Time Post-Injection Distance from Patient Dose Rate
Immediately 0 cm 414 µSv/h
30 minutes 30 cm 99.7 µSv/h
60 minutes 100 cm 18.3 µSv/h
60–90 minutes 150 cm 7 µSv/h
At Discharge 200 cm 3.7 µSv/h

Conclusion:
By 2 hours post-injection, radiation exposure is well below public safety thresholds, enabling safe patient release.

Practical Guidelines for PET/CT Radiation Safety

For providers using mobile or in-house PET/CT imaging, adhering to best practices ensures safe and efficient operations:

    • Maintain Distance: Radiation intensity decreases rapidly with increased distance
    • Hydrate Patients: Encourage fluid intake to flush residual radiotracer
    • Limit Close Contact: Reduce prolonged staff proximity during initial uptake
    • Reassure Families: Released patients pose minimal radiation risk when guidelines are followed

Sources:
Aldousari, H., Abuhadi, N., Izz, M. et al. (2023). Assessment of External Radiation Dose Rate After 18F-FDG PET/CT Examination. Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine.

Optimizing Mobile PET/CT Imaging for Safety & Efficiency

Mobile imaging teams must manage patient flow, staffing, and tracer logistics while maintaining regulatory compliance. At Shared Medical Services, our Mobile PET/CT units support these needs with regulatory-compliant safety protocols, OEM-certified systems offering high sensitivity, and operational workflows optimized for radiation safety.
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Media Contact:
Blake Kenney
Senior Marketing Specialist
Shared Medical Services, Inc.
Phone: (608) 910-1332
Email: contactsms@sharedmed.com