What are isotopes used for diagnosing diseases and studying environmental conditions called?
Answer (3)
A radioactive tracer, I believe. Someone check that lol.
The isotopes that are used to diagnose diseases and study environmental conditions are known as radioisotopes. These radioisotopes are instrumental in the fields of medicine and environmental science as they can emit ionizing radiation, which includes alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. One application in medicine is using radioisotopes as tracers to diagnose health issues. For instance, technetium-99 and thallium-201 play crucial roles in cardiac imaging, iodine-131 is used in thyroid imaging and treatment, and sodium-24 can help locate blood flow obstructions. Radioisotopes like carbon-14 are also used as tracers in biological and environmental studies.
Medical diagnostics often utilize these isotopes by injecting them into the body and scanning for the emitted radiation. This technique enables the visualization of the concentration and movement of isotopes, providing information about the functioning or malfunctioning of specific organs. For instance, iodine-131 accumulation in the thyroid can reveal thyroid disorders. Each radioisotope provides a unique diagnostic benefit depending on its uptake by various tissues and organs.
Isotopes used for diagnosing diseases and environmental studies are known as radioactive tracers or radiotracers. These isotopes emit radiation and are utilized in medical imaging, such as PET and SPECT scans, and in environmental research for studying climate change. Their applications in both fields are crucial for gaining insights into health and environmental conditions.
;
