DIAGNOSTIC NUCLEAR-MEDICINE AND RISK FOR THE FETUS

The possible detrimental effects on the developing embryo subsequent t o irradiation are discussed. The doses to the embryo or fetus encounte red for the most common procedures in diagnostic nuclear medicine are evaluated with respect to the threshold doses and the risks per cGy. T he threshold dose for fatal and non-fatal malformations or other defec ts is, at the lowest estimate, 5-10 cGy. The dose which the embryo or fetus receives from diagnostic nuclear medicine is below 1 cGy. For th e induction of fatal cancer and for genetic defects no threshold dose is assumed. The risk for the induction of cancer is 0.03%-0.05% per cG y. The risk for the induction of genetic defects is even lower (0.024% -0.099% per cGy). It is concluded that for common diagnostic nuclear m edicine procedures the risk of detrimental effects on the embryo or fe tus due to radiation is negligible. On the basis of present knowledge there are no radiation safety indications for abortus provocatus as a consequence of a diagnostic nuclear medicine study.