OBJECTIVE: To suggest a national value for the diagnostic reference level (DRL) in terms of activity in MBq.kg^-1, for nuclear medicine procedures with fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) in whole body positron emission tomography (PET) scans of adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey on values of ¹⁸F-FDG activity administered in Brazilian clinics was undertaken by means of a questionnaire including questions about number and manufacturer of the installed equipment, model and detector type. The suggested DRL value was based on the calculation of the third quartile of the activity values distribution reported by the clinics. RESULTS: Among the surveyed Brazilian clinics, 58% responded completely or partially the questionnaire; and the results demonstrated variation of up to 100% in the reported radiopharmaceutical activity. The suggested DRL for ¹⁸F-FDG/PET activity was 5.54 MBq.kg^-1 (0.149 mCi.kg^-1). CONCLUSION: The present study has demonstrated the lack of standardization in administered radiopharmaceutical activities for PET procedures in Brazil, corroborating the necessity of an official DRL value to be adopted in the country. The suggested DLR value demonstrates that there is room for optimization of the procedures and ¹⁸F-FDG/PET activities administered in Brazilian clinics to reduce the doses delivered to patients. It is important to highlight that this value should be continually revised and optimized at least every five years.

Keywords: Nuclear medicine; Positron emission tomography; Diagnostic reference level; Radiopharmaceutical ¹⁸FFDG.