The safe and effective use of radiopharmaceuticals

In the medical applications of radionuclides, we have to arrange effective radiation protection of patients, staff and general public, maintain high standards of pharmaceutical safety and ensure that the radiopharmaceuticals are effective in use. The influence of the 1976 Council of the European Communities Euratom Directive in producing legislation in the United Kingdom controlling medical work with radioactivity is discussed. Attention is drawn to current studies in the dosimetry of radiopharmaceuticals, and some of the problems that continue to arise in evaluating the dosimetry and possible hazards of isotopes of iodine are discussed. Developments in facilities for preparing radiopharmaceuticals in hospital laboratories are considered and a short report is given of an extensive study of quality control procedures which showed that it was difficult to justify their use as a routine on established products. (Author)