Radiotracer
Radiotracer
Radiotracer (pronunciation: /ˈreɪdioʊˌtreɪsər/) is a radioactive compound used in medical imaging and research to track the movement of substances within the body.
Etymology
The term "radiotracer" is derived from the words "radio," which refers to radiation, and "tracer," which denotes a substance used to trace the path or locate something.
Definition
A radiotracer is a chemical compound in which one or more atoms have been replaced by a radionuclide. When introduced into the body, a radiotracer emits gamma rays that can be detected and used to produce images of the area being examined. This technique is commonly used in nuclear medicine to diagnose and monitor various health conditions.
Usage
Radiotracers are used in a variety of medical tests, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scans. They can help to identify abnormalities in organ function, detect cancer, and monitor the progress of treatment.
Related Terms
- Radionuclide: An atom with an unstable nucleus, which can undergo radioactive decay.
- Gamma Ray: A type of high-energy radiation emitted by certain radioactive substances.
- Nuclear Medicine: A medical specialty involving the application of radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET): A type of imaging test that uses a radioactive substance called a radiotracer to look for disease in the body.
- Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT): A type of nuclear imaging test that uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3D pictures.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Radiotracer
- Wikipedia's article - Radiotracer
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