A radiopharmaceuticals schedule for imaging in paediatrics. Paediatric Task Group European Association Nuclear Medicine

Abstract

There is no standard schedule for the amounts of radiopharmaceutical administered to children at present. Various alternative methods are currently in practice, all with some support from the literature. Optimization of the amount of radiopharmaceutical to be administered is discussed in relation to the radiation burden of such an examination. The Paediatric Task Group of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine has investigated the current situation and now suggests a method for standardization of administered amounts of radiopharmaceutical in paediatrics. The fraction of the adult amount of radiopharmaceutical to be administered should be calculated from the child's body weight according to the accompanying table. In small infants, the minimum amount of a radiopharmaceutical is discussed and suggested amounts to be administered are presented.