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Technetium-99m generator is a device used in nuclear medicine to extract the metastable isotope Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) from a source of decaying Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99).

Overview

The Technetium-99m generator, also known as a moly cow, is a crucial tool in medical imaging. It is used to produce Technetium-99m, a metastable nuclear isomer used in tens of millions of medical diagnostic procedures annually.

Operation

The generator consists of a lead-shielded column containing Molybdenum-99. As the Molybdenum-99 decays, it produces Technetium-99m. This Technetium-99m can then be drawn off from the generator using a syringe, without disturbing the parent Molybdenum-99.

Applications

Technetium-99m is used in a wide variety of medical imaging procedures. It is used in bone scans, heart disease diagnostics, thyroid studies, and many other applications in nuclear medicine.

See Also

• Nuclear medicine
• Medical imaging
• Radioisotope

References

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