From the Guidelines
FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) tracer used in PET scans has very low toxicity, with a radiation dose of approximately 7-10 mSv, which is comparable to other diagnostic imaging procedures, as reported in the most recent and highest quality study 1. The radioactive component, fluorine-18, has a short half-life of about 110 minutes, meaning its radioactivity decreases rapidly after injection.
- The glucose-like molecule itself is not metabolized completely by the body and is excreted through the kidneys within hours.
- Side effects are rare and typically mild, including temporary pain at the injection site, rash, or allergic reactions.
- The risk of developing cancer from FDG exposure is extremely low, estimated at less than 0.1%, as supported by the evidence from 1. FDG is considered safe for most patients, though it's used cautiously in pregnant women and requires blood glucose control in diabetic patients for accurate imaging results, as noted in 1. The benefits of the diagnostic information obtained from FDG-PET scans generally far outweigh the minimal risks associated with the tracer, making it a valuable tool in medical imaging, as discussed in 1. In terms of radiation safety, the occupational exposure in a nuclear medicine or nuclear cardiology department is significantly less than maximal permissible doses, with a mean annual Dose Equivalent of 100 to 140 mrem (1 to 1.4 mSv), as reported in 1. Overall, the use of FDG in PET scans is a safe and effective diagnostic tool, with minimal risks and significant benefits, as supported by the evidence from the most recent and highest quality studies 1.
From the Research
Toxicity of Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Tracer
- The provided studies do not directly address the toxicity of Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) tracer [@\1@, @\2@, @\3@, @\4@, @\5@].
- However, it can be inferred that the use of FDG in PET imaging is considered safe, as it is widely used in clinical routine for various cancer diagnoses and treatments [@\1@, @\2@, @\4@].
- The physical half-life of Fluorine-18, which is used in FDG, is 110 minutes, and its low positron energy limits the dose rate to the patient, resulting in relatively high-resolution images [@\1@].
- There is no mention of significant toxicity associated with FDG in the provided studies, suggesting that it is generally well-tolerated [@\1@, @\2@, @\3@, @\4@, @\5@].
Radiation Exposure
- Total-body PET/CT allows for imaging with minimal tracer activity, which can help reduce radiation exposure [@\3@].
- Dual-tracer dual-low-activity imaging is also being explored to minimize radiation exposure [@\3@].
- The use of PET/CT and PET/MR imaging modalities can provide complementary biological information while minimizing radiation exposure [@\3@, @\4@].