special subjects
Radionuclide Scanning
Disadvantages of Radionuclide Scanning
Radiation exposure depends on the radionuclide and dose used. Effective doses tend to range from 1.5 to 17 mSv, as in the following (seeAmerican College of Radiology(ACR): Radiation Dose to Adults From Common Imaging Examinations): For lung scans: About 2 mSv For bone and hepatobiliary scans: About 3 to 6 mSv For technetium sestimibi heart scans: About 9 to 12 mSv Reactions to radionuclides are rare. The area that can be imaged accurately is limited because only signals near the gamma camera’s face can be accurately localized. Image detail may also be limited. Often, imaging must be delayed for up to several hours to give the radionuclide time to reach the target tissue. 