Radiation Protection in Nuclear Medicine: Principles, Regulations and Contemporary Challenges

Abstract

Nuclear medicine is now an integral part of healthcare systems across the globe due to innovative diagnosis and therapy through radiopharmaceuticals. The expansion of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and several radionuclide therapies have increased the number of diagnostic interventions that employ ionizing radiation. As a result, the need for radiation protection in nuclear medicine to safeguard the patients, healthcare practitioners, caregivers, and the public has emerged. This review discusses the science of radiation protection in nuclear medicine to justify, optimize, and limit radiation exposure. It also discusses the international policies of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and other relevant international bodies. It discusses the impact of rapidly changing imaging technologies, theranostics, occupational radiation exposure, radiation waste, and the protection and safety innovations. This review seeks to describe the innovations and research to enhance nuclear medicine safety in order to sustain the therapeutic value of the technologies.

Keywords: Nuclear Medicine; Radiation Protection; Radiation Safety; Radiopharmaceuticals; Occupational Exposure; Dosimetry; ALARA Principle; Patient Safety.

Received Date: April 21, 2026

Accepted Date: May 12, 2026

Published Date: June 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/731