The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) today launched a new online resource for imaging professionals, referring physicians, and the public on dose optimization for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging procedures. The information is designed to help ensure patients receive the smallest possible amount of radiopharmaceutical that will provide the appropriate diagnostic information.
The online resource includes SNMMI journal articles, abstracts, educational offerings, news articles, presentations, and links to useful websites, as well as other materials. The resource will be promoted to SNMMI members through various communication channels, promoted through social media and shared with referring physician and patient groups.
In June, SNMMI kicked off the dose optimization initiative by issuing a position statement that radiation dose for all nuclear medicine and molecular imaging procedures should be optimized by ensuring that the patient receives the minimum radiation dose necessary to provide useful diagnostic information. The position statement recognizes that the use of low levels of radiation in nuclear medicine procedures carries some possible risk. However, if an appropriate procedure is one that can provide the physician with clinical information essential to the patient’s treatment is not performed when necessary due to fear of radiation, it can be detrimental to the patient.
