ABSTRACT

This chapter describes the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to diagnostic and therapeutic use of radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine. In this field, the IAEA efforts are focussed on radiation protection, quality assurance and quality controls, activity measurements, internal dosimetry, production of radiopharmaceuticals and clinical best practices in nuclear medicine. With the support of international experts in the field, the IAEA develops standards and guidance documents, representing a vital source of publications which are freely available to the nuclear medicine community. The IAEA also provides guidance on academic education, clinical training and certification of health professionals working in nuclear medicine and supports training through the organization of training courses as well as individual training. Health professionals can benefit from the results of the IAEA programmatic activities in nuclear medicine, which are made available in various forms, for example through the Human Health Campus. This chapter also describes how the IAEA supports its Member States through the Technical Cooperation programme and the transfer of know-how to establish, strengthen and maintain capacities in the field of nuclear medicine.