- Because nuclear medicine exams use only a small dose of radiotracer, they have a relatively low radiation exposure. This is acceptable for diagnostic exams. Thus, the potential benefits of an exam outweigh the very low radiation risk.
- Doctors have been using diagnostic procedures with radioactive medicine for more than six decades. There are no known long-term adverse effects from such low-dose exposure.
- Your doctor always weighs the benefits of PET CT scan against any risks. Your doctor will discuss the significant risks prior to treatment and give you an opportunity to ask questions.
- Allergic reactions to radiotracers are extremely rare and usually mild. Always tell the nuclear medicine personnel about any allergies you may have. Describe any problems you may have had during previous exams.
- The radiotracer injection may cause slight pain and redness. This should rapidly resolve.
- If your examination needs administration of oral or intravenous contrast agent, there are additional side effects involved. These can be reviewed in detail at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/safety-contrast