Use of radiopharmaceuticals in Finland in 1997

The use of radiopharmaceuticals in diagnostics and therapy has been surveyed by STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. In 1997 the number of nuclear medicine examinations was 51,700, and the number of treatments 2,240. In 1994 the number of nuclear medicine examinations had been 50,900, and the number of treatments 2,150. In 1997 the collective effective dose received by patients was 207 manSv, and the mean effective dose received by the population was 0.04 mSv per person. In 1994 the collective effective dose had been 220 manSv. Numbers of nuclear medicine examinations and treatments have not changed much from 1994. The collective effective dose has slightly decreased. The main reason for the reduction is decreased use of the radionuclide 131I. (orig.)