Understanding Radiation Safety in Nuclear Imaging: Myths vs. Reality
☢️ Why Patients Worry About Radiation
The word “radiation” often sparks fear — but in medical imaging, it’s not something to be afraid of. At RNM Center, Rohtak, we understand that patients undergoing PET-CT or Gamma Camera scans may feel anxious about radiation exposure. This blog clears common myths and explains how nuclear medicine procedures are designed with your safety at the center.
💡 The Science Behind Radiation in Medical Imaging
Radiation used in nuclear medicine is diagnostic, not harmful. It helps doctors see inside the body and detect diseases early — long before they become visible on routine scans.
Each procedure uses radiopharmaceuticals, which emit a very small and controlled amount of radiation — just enough to capture clear images for diagnosis.
To put it in perspective:
- A PET-CT scan exposes you to roughly 5–7 mSv of radiation.
- A Gamma Camera scan is usually less — around 2–5 mSv.
- A year of natural background radiation (from sunlight, soil, food) gives you about 3 mSv.
In short, these scans expose you to no more radiation than you would naturally receive over a few months of daily life.
🔍 Myth vs. Reality
| Myth | Reality |
| “Nuclear scans cause cancer.” | The radiation dose is minimal — thousands of patients undergo PET-CT and gamma scans safely worldwide every day. |
| “I’ll be radioactive for days after the scan.” | The radioactive tracer decays quickly and leaves your body naturally, usually within 24 hours. |
| “I can’t go near my family after a scan.” | You can safely interact with others — the levels are far too low to pose any risk. |
| “Pregnant women should never be around nuclear scans.” | Only the patient needs precautions; others nearby are safe. Pregnant patients are evaluated case-by-case. |
🛡️ How RNM Center Ensures Radiation Safety
Every scan at RNM Center follows international safety protocols recommended by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
Here’s how we make sure you’re always protected:
- Lead-shielded rooms and barriers to minimize exposure.
- Highly trained technologists certified in radiation safety.
- Strict dose calculation based on patient weight and medical history.
- Continuous monitoring and maintenance of PET-CT and Gamma Camera equipment.
“The benefits of a well-performed nuclear scan far outweigh the minimal radiation risk — when used judiciously, it’s one of the safest and most powerful diagnostic tools in medicine.”
— Dr. Shobit Sethi, Consultant, RNM Center Rohtak
💧 Simple Tips for Patients After the Scan
- Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water to help flush the tracer.
- Avoid close contact with infants/pregnant women for 6–8 hours (just as a precaution).
Eat normally after the scan — there are no restrictions.
🌟 The Bottom Line
Nuclear imaging saves lives by providing early, precise, and painless diagnosis. At RNM Center, we use the lowest possible dose of radiation while ensuring the highest image quality — because your safety and confidence are our top priorities.
