Tag Archives: nuclear medicine

Iodine 131 MIBG
1
Mar

Overview

Iodine 131 metaiodobenzylguanidine is a norepinephrine analog labeled with I 131 used for diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy in select neuroendocrine tumors.

Properties

I 131 emits beta and gamma radiation enabling both therapeutic effect and gamma imaging; uptake reflects catecholamine transporter activity.

Uses

Used for localization and treatment of pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma and some neuroblastomas under specialized protocols.

Safety

Significant radiation dose requires inpatient isolation for therapy doses and strict radiological safety, thyroid blockade and patient counseling.

Technetium 99m HMPAO
22
Feb

Overview

Technetium 99m HMPAO is a lipophilic radiopharmaceutical used for brain perfusion imaging and for labeling leukocytes in infection imaging.

Properties

Tc 99m HMPAO crosses the blood brain barrier transiently and is retained in brain tissue proportional to regional blood flow; emits gamma photons for SPECT.

Uses

Used for cerebral perfusion SPECT in stroke and dementia evaluation and for leukocyte labeling to localize infection or inflammation.

Safety

Radiation exposure is low but present; follow nuclear medicine safety protocols and screen for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Iodine 123 Ioflupane DaTscan
16
Feb

Overview

Iodine 123 ioflupane is a SPECT radiotracer that binds presynaptic dopamine transporters to assess nigrostriatal integrity.

Properties

I 123 labeled ligand provides high target to background ratio for striatal uptake and is imaged with SPECT cameras several hours after injection.

Uses

Used to support diagnosis of Parkinsonian syndromes versus essential tremor and to evaluate presynaptic dopaminergic neuron loss.

Safety

Administer with thyroid blockade when indicated and follow radiation safety guidelines; consider drug interactions that affect tracer binding.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Medical Use of Byproduct Material
14
Feb

Overview

NRC licenses and regulates medical use of byproduct material including PET and SPECT radiopharmaceuticals and therapeutic isotopes.

Modality Focus

Regulations cover nuclear medicine PET SPECT radiopharmacy safe handling and radiation protection for staff and patients.

Key Rules

Part 35 medical use of byproduct material sets licensing training recordkeeping and safety program requirements.

Coordination

NRC works with state regulators and FDA on radiopharmaceutical approval and clinical use oversight.

Technetium 99m sulfur colloid
7
Feb

Overview

Technetium 99m sulfur colloid is a radiolabeled colloid used in nuclear medicine to image liver, spleen and bone marrow distribution and for gastric emptying studies.

Properties

Colloidal particles labeled with Tc 99m emit gamma photons detected by gamma cameras; particle size influences biodistribution.

Uses

Used for liver spleen scintigraphy, sentinel node mapping in some protocols and gastric emptying or gastric mucosa imaging.

Safety

Radiation exposure is low but present; follow nuclear medicine radiation safety, pregnancy screening and local regulatory requirements.