Abstract
Abstract
Background
In routine practice, radiopharmaceuticals are administered via a newly placed peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). However, many patients referred for nuclear medicine imaging already have a semipermanent venous access device in place, such as a central venous catheter, peripherally inserted central catheter, or subcutaneous implantable venous port. Evidence regarding residual radiopharmaceutical activity within preexisting devices—and its potential consequences for SPECT/PET image quality, diagnostic interpretation, and radiation safety—remains limited. This study aimed to quantify device-related residual radiopharmaceutical activity across commonly used access types and to assess any associated clinical impact during image review.
Results
In this observational cohort study at Skåne University Hospital, Sweden, 167 patient administrations during SPECT or PET imaging between June 2023 and January 2026 were included (40% aged 99m
Tc]pertechnetate, PIVC), and the highest proportional residual activity was 17.3% ([
99m
Tc]Tc-MAA, Midline). On clinical image review, no instance of device related residual activity was associated with impaired interpretation or reduced diagnostic confidence.
Conclusions
In this real-world cohort, residual radiopharmaceutical activity within preexisting venous access devices was generally low and showed no discernible impact on visual clinical SPECT or PET interpretation. Prospective studies including a broader range of tracers, access devices, and quantitative endpoints are needed to more fully characterize the clinical implications of residual activity.