What type of radioactive nuclide is injected into a person who is about to undergo a PET scan?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The radioactive nuclide typically injected into a person undergoing a PET scan is Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding PET Scan

PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. It is a functional imaging technique that uses radioactive substances known as radiotracers or radionuclides to visualize and measure changes in metabolism and how the organs and tissues in the body are functioning.
02

Identifying the Nuclide Used

In most PET scans, a radioactive nuclide of a type of sugar called fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is used. This sugary substance is injected into the patient's body, and because cancer cells use sugar at a higher rate than normal cells, the FDG is absorbed by the cancer cells at a higher rate. This allows the PET scan to create an image of possible cancer.

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