PET radiotracer
PET Radiotracer
PET radiotracer (pronounced: /pɛt/ /ˈreɪdioʊˌtreɪsər/), also known as Positron Emission Tomography radiotracer, is a type of radiopharmaceutical used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans.
Etymology
The term "PET radiotracer" is derived from the name of the imaging technique it is used in, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and the term "radiotracer", which refers to a radioactive tracer, a substance that contains a radioisotope and can be traced within the body during imaging.
Usage
PET radiotracers are used to visualize and measure physiological functions in the body. They are injected into the patient's body and accumulate in areas of interest, such as tumors or other disease sites. The radiotracer emits positrons, which interact with electrons in the body to produce gamma rays. These gamma rays are detected by the PET scanner, creating a three-dimensional image of the body's internal structures.
Types of PET Radiotracers
There are several types of PET radiotracers, each designed to target specific biological processes. Some of the most commonly used include:
- Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG): This is the most commonly used PET radiotracer. It is used to detect cancer because cancer cells absorb glucose at a higher rate than normal cells.
- Fluorodopa (FDOPA): This radiotracer is used to diagnose and monitor Parkinson's disease.
- Fluorothymidine (FLT): This radiotracer is used to measure cell proliferation, which is useful in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Related Terms
- Radiopharmaceutical: A radioactive compound used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET): A type of imaging technique that uses radioactive substances to visualize and measure metabolic processes in the body.
- Radioisotope: An isotope that exhibits radioactive decay.
- Positron: A subatomic particle with the same mass as an electron and a numerically equal but positive charge.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on PET radiotracer
- Wikipedia's article - PET radiotracer
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