What is the role of Quality Control (QC) in the use of Tc-99m radiopharmaceuticals?

• A. To increase the cost of production
• B. To ensure the safety and efficacy prior to administration
• C. To reduce the amount of radioactive waste
• D. To speed up the production process

Answer: (B)

The role of Quality Control (QC) in the use of Tc-99m radiopharmaceuticals is fundamentally about ensuring safety and efficacy prior to administration. This process involves rigorous testing and monitoring of the radiopharmaceuticals to verify that they meet the required standards for purity, potency, and sterility.

By conducting QC measures, healthcare providers can ensure that the Tc-99m preparations are suitable for patient use, minimizing risks such as contamination or improper dosages, which could result in ineffective imaging results or potential harm to patients. The QC process also ensures compliance with regulatory standards, supporting the overall trustworthiness of medical practices that rely on these substances for diagnostic purposes.

As a cornerstone of patient safety in nuclear medicine, QC helps to preserve the integrity of radiopharmaceuticals, thereby allowing medical professionals to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.