Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection emits radiation. Use procedures to minimize radiation exposure. Calculate the final dose from the end of synthesis (EOS) time using proper radioactive decay factors. Assay the final dose in a properly calibrated dose calibrator before administration to the patient [ see Description (11.2)].
2.1 Recommended Dose for Adults
Within the oncology, cardiology and neurology settings, the recommended dose for adults is 5 – 10 mCi (185 – 370 MBq) as an intravenous injection.
2.2 Recommended Dose for Pediatric Patients
Within the neurology setting, the recommended dose for pediatric patients is 2.6 mCi, as an intravenous injection. The optimal dose adjustment on the basis of body size or weight has not been determined [ see Use in Special Populations (8.4)].
2.3 Patient Preparation
To minimize the radiation absorbed dose to the bladder, encourage adequate hydration. Encourage the patient to drink water or other fluids (as tolerated) in the 4 hours before their PET study.
Encourage the patient to void as soon as the imaging study is completed and as often as possible thereafter for at least one hour.
Screen patients for clinically significant blood glucose abnormalities by obtaining a history and/or laboratory tests [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Prior to Fludeoxyglucose F 18 PET imaging in the oncology and neurology settings, instruct patient to fast for 4 – 6 hours prior to the drug’s injection.
In the cardiology setting, administration of glucose-containing food or liquids (e.g., 50 – 75 grams) prior to Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection facilitates localization of cardiac ischemia.
2.4 Radiation Dosimetry
The estimated human absorbed radiation doses (rem/mCi) to a newborn (3.4 kg), 1-year old (9.8 kg), 5-year old (19 kg), 10-year old (32 kg), 15-year old (57 kg), and adult (70 kg) from intravenous administration of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection are shown in Table 1. These estimates were calculated based on human2 data and using the data published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection4 for Fludeoxyglucose 18F. The dosimetry data show that there are slight variations in absorbed radiation dose for various organs in each of the age groups. These dissimilarities in absorbed radiation dose are due to developmental age variations (e.g., organ size, location, and overall metabolic rate for each age group). The identified critical organs (in descending order) across all age groups evaluated are the urinary bladder, heart, pancreas, spleen, and lungs.
Table 1. Estimated Absorbed Radiation Doses (rem/mCi) After Intravenous Administration of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection *
Organ
Newborn
(3.4 kg)
1-year old
(9.8 kg)
5-year old
(19 kg)
10-year old
(32 kg)
15-year old
(57 kg)
Adult
(70 kg)
*
MIRDOSE 2 software was used to calculate the radiation absorbed dose. Assumptions on the biodistribution based on data from Gallagher et al.1 and Jones et al.2
†
The dynamic bladder model with a uniform voiding frequency of 1.5 hours was used.
‡
LLI = lower large intestine;
§
ULI = upper large intestine
Bladder wall †
4.3
1.7
0.93
0.60
0.40
0.32
Heart wall
2.4
1.2
0.70
0.44
0.29
0.22
Pancreas
2.2
0.68
0.33
0.25
0.13
0.096
Spleen
2.2
0.84
0.46
0.29
0.19
0.14
Lungs
0.96
0.38
0.20
0.13
0.092
0.064
Kidneys
0.81
0.34
0.19
0.13
0.089
0.074
Ovaries
0.80
0.8
0.19
0.11
0.058
0.053
Uterus
0.79
0.35
0.19
0.12
0.076
0.062
LLI wall ‡
0.69
0.28
0.15
0.097
0.060
0.051
Liver
0.69
0.31
0.17
0.11
0.076
0.058
Gallbladder wall
0.69
0.26
0.14
0.093
0.059
0.049
Small intestine
0.68
0.29
0.15
0.096
0.060
0.047
ULI wall §
0.67
0.27
0.15
0.090
0.057
0.046
Stomach wall
0.65
0.27
0.14
0.089
0.057
0.047
Adrenals
0.65
0.28
0.15
0.095
0.061
0.048
Testes
0.64
0.27
0.14
0.085
0.052
0.041
Red marrow
0.62
0.26
0.14
0.089
0.057
0.047
Thymus
0.61
0.26
0.14
0.086
0.056
0.044
Thyroid
0.61
0.26
0.13
0.080
0.049
0.039
Muscle
0.58
0.25
0.13
0.078
0.049
0.039
Bone surface
0.57
0.24
0.12
0.079
0.052
0.041
Breast
0.54
0.22
0.11
0.068
0.043
0.034
Skin
0.49
0.20
0.10
0.060
0.037
0.030
Brain
0.29
0.13
0.09
0.078
0.072
0.070
Other tissues
0.59
0.25
0.13
0.083
0.052
0.042
2.5 Radiation Safety – Drug Handling
Use waterproof gloves, effective radiation shielding, and appropriate safety measures when handling Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient, occupational workers, clinical personnel and other persons.
Radiopharmaceuticals should be used by or under the control of physicians who are qualified by specific training and experience in the safe use and handling of radionuclides, and whose experience and training have been approved by the appropriate governmental agency authorized to license the use of radionuclides.
Calculate the final dose from the end of synthesis (EOS) time using proper radioactive decay factors. Assay the final dose in a properly calibrated dose calibrator before administration to the patient [ see Description (11.2)].
The dose of Fludeoxyglucose F18 used in a given patient should be minimized consistent with the objectives of the procedure, and the nature of the radiation detection devices employed.
2.6 Drug Preparation and Administration
Calculate the necessary volume to administer based on calibration time and dose.
Aseptically withdraw Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection from its container.
Inspect Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Do not administer the drug if it contains particulate matter or discoloration; dispose of these unacceptable or unused preparations in a safe manner, in compliance with applicable regulations.
Use Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection within 12 hours from the EOS.
2.7 Imaging Guidelines
Initiate imaging within 40 minutes following Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection administration.
Acquire static emission images 30 – 100 minutes from the time of injection.