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Problems With Medicinal Uses of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear medicine is a branch of medicine that uses nuclear energy or radiation to diagnose or treat diseases. According to Radiologyinfo.org, radiation is commonly used to diagnose and treat cancer and heart disease. Doctors inject low levels of radiation into the patient's veins or have the patient swallow it in order to scan the body or particular organs for disease. According to both Radiologyinfo.org and the Stanford School of Medicine Radiology Department, nuclear medicine is considered safe; however, there are risks involved to your health when exposed to any level of radiation. Nuclear medicine personnel must be trained in safe procedures to minimize the risk.

  1. Radiation Exposure

    • Radiologyinfo.org says that exposure to low levels of radiation such as those used in nuclear medicine presents little risk. However, while the risk is minimal, it still exists. Doctors often recommend that nuclear medicine patients take extra precautions in the bathroom for the first few days after exposure. Some doctors recommend flushing the toilet twice and more thorough hand-washing than usual after exposure to radiation. These habits will minimize re-exposure to radiation that is still in the patient's urine.

    Risk to Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

    • Radiation exposure may present risks to unborn children. While studies have not shown that nuclear medicine causes birth defects, expectant mothers should inform the radiologist of her condition prior to beginning any test so that the doctor can make an informed decision. Radiation ingested or injected during the test can also be passed on to infants via breastfeeding. Radiologyinfo.org recommends refraining from breastfeeding for 24 to 48 hours after exposure to radiation.

    Special Risks Associated with Radioiodine

    • Radioiodine is used to diagnose hyperthyroidism. According to Radiologyinfo.org, this radioactive substance is especially strong; patients must take extra precautions after the test. These patients must refrain from intimate contact or preparing food with their bare hands for 3 to 4 days after the procedure, and pregnant women cannot have this procedure at all as it may damage the baby's thyroid gland. Mothers cannot breastfeed for 1 year following the procedure, and infants and children must be kept away from the patient for several days following the exposure to radioiodine. After the procedure, patients must take thyroid medication for the rest of their lives, as the procedure destroys the thyroid gland.

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