Reston, Va. -- The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) today launched a new online resource for imaging professionals, referring physicians and the public on dose optimization for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging procedures. The information, available at www.snmmi.org/dose, is designed to help ensure patients receive the smallest possible amount of radiopharmaceutical that will provide the appropriate diagnostic information.

"Advancing a better understanding of radiation dose and risk and promoting dose optimization in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging is a top priority for SNMMI," said Frederic H. Fahey, DSC, SNMMI president. "The online resource is a key component of our dose optimization initiative, as it compiles important information in an organized fashion in one central location."

The online resource includes SNMMI journal articles, abstracts, educational offerings, news articles, presentations and links to useful websites, as well as other materials. The resource will be promoted to SNMMI members through various communication channels, promoted through social media and shared with referring physician and patient groups.
In June, SNMMI kicked off the dose optimization initiative by issuing a position statement that radiation dose for all nuclear medicine and molecular imaging procedures should be optimized by ensuring that the patient receives the minimum radiation dose necessary to provide useful diagnostic information. The position statement recognizes that the use of low levels of radiation in nuclear medicine procedures carries some possible risk. However, if an appropriate procedure-one that can provide the physician with clinical information essential to the patient's treatment-is not performed when necessary due to fear of radiation, it can be detrimental to the patient.

Dose optimization has become a part of SNMMI's communications, outreach, advocacy and education efforts. This integrated approach helps to provide information and guidance on dose optimization to imaging professionals, referring physicians, policymakers and the public. In addition to these activities, SNMMI continues to actively participate in the Image Gently and Image Wisely campaigns.

"It is our firm belief that the 'right test with the right dose should be given to the right patient at the right time,'" noted Fahey. "We hope that this online resource will provide professionals with tools they can use to implement this into clinical practice and educate the public about optimal dosing for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging procedures."

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About the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to raising public awareness about nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, a vital element of today's medical practice that adds an additional dimension to diagnosis, changing the way common and devastating diseases are understood and treated and helping provide patients with the best health care possible.

SNMMI's more than 19,000 members set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice by creating guidelines, sharing information through journals and meetings and leading advocacy on key issues that affect molecular imaging and therapy research and practice. For more information, visit www.snmmi.org.

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