Nuclear Medicine Facilities in Germany: Procedures and Security Requirements
What is Nuclear Medicine? Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses radioactive substances to diagnose and treat diseases. A patient receives a small amount of a radiopharmaceutical, and its distribution in the body is tracked using imaging devices such as SPECT or PET-CT.
Key examinations performed in nuclear medicine facilities:
PET-CT: Early cancer detection and assessment of spread
Thyroid scintigraphy (Schilddrüsenszintigraphie): Evaluation of thyroid function
Bone scintigraphy (Knochenszintigrafie): Detection of bone metastases
Myocardial scintigraphy (Myokardszintigrafie): Assessment of cardiac perfusion
Strict safety requirements under German Radiation Protection Law (Strahlenschutzgesetz):
Radiation protection: Lead-shielded rooms, radiation detectors, limited exposure time for patients and staff
Medical staff training: Certified radiation protection courses, regular medical check-ups
Handling radioactive waste: Temporary storage until safe decay, disposal via approved environmental methods
Patient monitoring after therapy: Isolation in certain treatments (e.g., Iod-131), detailed instructions after discharge
Legal and regulatory aspects: Facilities are monitored by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), local health authorities, and nuclear agencies in special cases. Each center requires an operating license specifying materials, quantities, and safety systems.
Important notes for patients:
Inform doctor if pregnant, breastfeeding, with kidney failure, or recent radiation exam
May need to stop certain medications or arrive fasting depending on test type
