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

Globally, COVID-19 affected radiopharmaceutical laboratories. This study sought to determine the economic, service, and research impacts of COVID-19 on radiopharmacy. This online survey was conducted with the participation of employees from nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceutical companies. 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 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (2-[F-18]FDG), and Tc-99m-labeled macro aggregated albumin Tc-99m-MAA were necessary radiopharmaceuticals used by 57% (83/145and 34% (49/145;) respondents, 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%; 94/145). In COVID-19, 70% (102/145) of respondents followed the regulations established by the local departments. Throughout the pandemic, there was a 97% (141/145) decrease in all staffing recruitment efforts. The field of nuclear medicine research, as well as the radiopharmaceutical industry, were both adversely affected by COVID-19.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impacts of COVID-19 on radiopharmacy in terms of economy, service, and research. An online survey was conducted with participation from employees of nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceutical companies. 145 medical professionals from 25 different countries participated in the study. Results showed that 57% and 34% of respondents used 2-[F-18]FDG and Tc-99m-MAA as necessary radiopharmaceuticals to determine the effects of COVID-19 on patients. The scheduling procedure for radiopharmacy laboratories was reduced by 65%, and 70% of respondents followed local regulations during the pandemic. Staff recruitment efforts decreased by 97%, negatively affecting nuclear medicine research and the radiopharmaceutical industry.