ABSTRACT
Diagnostic techniques utilized in nuclear medicine studies are considered noninvasive and safe. In considering radiobiological factors related to the use of nuclear medicine procedures there are special features which differentiate the problem from that usually encountered in other types of exposures. The analysis does offer a means of comparing expected effects, but in a rather imprecise way for the wide range of dose rates which may be encountered in nuclear medicine. On a clinical level it has not been usual to be concerned about this when assessing effects of therapeutic radionuclide administration. One can conclude from this study that there is no substantial risk of inducing thyroid malignancy associated with the use of radioiodine for treatment of thyrotoxicosis. A conclusion from these experiments is an early direct effect on the cellular elements under study and a late indirect effect secondary to radiation damage to small blood vessels.
