Why can a radioisotope be used as a tracer in the human body? Give an example. (pages \(21-22\) )

Short Answer

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Radioisotopes can be used as tracers in the human body due to their ability to emit detectable radiation, which helps track the functioning and structure of organs and systems. For this purpose, radioisotopes must have a short half-life, low-intensity radiation, and easy absorption. Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) is an example of a radioisotope tracer used in medical diagnostics for procedures such as bone scans and cardiovascular imaging, due to its short half-life, gamma radiation emission, and ability to be tagged to specific molecules targeting different systems in the body.

Step by step solution

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1. Introduction to Radioisotopes

Radioisotopes are unstable isotopes of elements that emit radiation in the form of gamma rays, alpha particles, or beta particles. They have specific half-lives and decay patterns which can be easily detected and measured. Due to their ability to emit radiation, radioisotopes are often used in various applications, including medical diagnosis and treatment.
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2. Radioisotopes as Tracers in the Human Body

Radioisotopes can be used as tracers in the human body due to their ability to emit radiation, which can be detected by instruments outside the body. By carefully selecting the radioisotope and introducing it into the body, doctors can track the path of the radioisotope and gather information about the functioning and structure of specific organs and systems. For a radioisotope to be suitable for use as a tracer, it must have certain properties: 1. It should have a short half-life, so it decays quickly and does not cause long-term damage to the patient. 2. The emitted radiation should be of low intensity in order to minimize harm to healthy tissues. 3. The radioisotope should be readily absorbed and transported by the organ or system under investigation.
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3. Example of a Radioisotope Tracer: Technetium-99m

One common radioisotope used as a tracer in medical diagnostics is Technetium-99m (Tc-99m). Tc-99m has a short half-life of about 6 hours, which makes it suitable for imaging studies since it decays quickly enough to minimize long-term radiation exposure. Additionally, Tc-99m emits gamma radiation, which can be easily detected using gamma cameras that create an image of the area under study. Tc-99m can be used in various medical imaging procedures, including bone scans and cardiovascular imaging, by tagging it to specific molecules that target different systems in the body. In a bone scan, for example, Tc-99m is chemically bound to a molecule that is absorbed by the bones. Once it is injected into the bloodstream, the Tc-99m-labeled molecule accumulates in areas of increased bone metabolism. By detecting the gamma radiation emitted by Tc-99m, a gamma camera can create an image of the skeletal system, highlighting areas of concern, such as tumors, fractures, or infections. To summarize, radioisotopes can be used as tracers in the human body because their radioactive properties allow them to be easily detected and measured by external devices. Technetium-99m is one example of a radioisotope tracer, which can be used in various diagnostic procedures to assess the function and structure of organs and systems in the body.

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