Nuclear medicine is a diagnostic imaging technique that is achieved by attaching a radioactive isotope to a carrying molecular compound. The radionuclide is injected or ingested, flows to the desired organ via the carrier, and emits gamma rays that are then picked up by a scanner.
History
According to the Society of Nuclear Medicine, the roots of nuclear medicine can be traced back to the late 19th century, but the most significant strides have been made in the last 20 years.
Benefits
Nuclear medicine holds advantages over other methods because the results are more than just visual. For instance, cardiac scans allow doctors to see the heart's functionality to determine if an abnormality may be present.
Isotopes
A variety of radionuclides are used to perform scans. Some common examples are technetium, xenon, gallium, indium and iodine.
Radiation
There is often a stigma associated with radiation and its negative effects on humans, but the radionuclides used in nuclear medicine release a nominal amount of radiation. Precautions only need to be taken for a select number of procedures.
Therapy
Currently the use of nuclear medicine as a therapeutic tool is quite limited. According to the Radiological Society of North America, the most common application is iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism.
Tags: nuclear medicine, Nuclear Medicine, radionuclides used