The effect of COVID-19 on nuclear medicine: A global survey

Abstract

Background: Globally, COVID-19 affected radiopharmaceutical laboratories. This study sought to determine the economic, service, and research impacts of COVID-19 on radiopharmacy. Methods: This online survey was conducted with the participation of employees from nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceutical companies. Results: The socioeconomic status of the individuals was collected. The study was participated by 145 medical professionals from 25 different countries. From this work, it is evident that 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([¹⁸F]FDG), and Tc-99m macro aggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) were necessary radiopharmaceuticals 57% and 34% respectively for determining how COVID infections affect a patient's body. The normal scheduling procedure for the radiopharmacy laboratory was reduced by more than half (65%). In COVID-19, 70% of respondents followed the regulations established by the local departments. Throughout the pandemic, there was a 97% decrease in all staffing recruitment efforts. Conclusions: The field of nuclear medicine research as well as the radiopharmaceutical industry were both adversely affected by COVID-19.