Pertechnetate

Pertechnetate is a chemical compound that is commonly used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic purposes. It is a technetium compound with the chemical formula TcO4−. Pertechnetate is a monovalent anion and is the most stable oxidation state of technetium. It is similar in chemical behavior to perchlorate.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

Pertechnetate is a strong oxidizing agent. It is soluble in water and its solutions are colorless. The compound is stable in air. It can be reduced to technetium by electrolysis.

Medical Uses[edit | edit source]

In nuclear medicine, pertechnetate is used as a radiopharmaceutical. It is used in the diagnosis of several medical conditions, including thyroid disease, heart disease, and cancer. Pertechnetate is also used in the scintigraphy of the salivary gland and in the Meckel's diverticulum scan.

Production[edit | edit source]

Pertechnetate is produced by the oxidation of technetium-99m, a radioisotope of technetium. The oxidation is usually carried out in an alkaline solution using chloramine-T as the oxidizing agent.

Safety[edit | edit source]

As a radioactive compound, pertechnetate must be handled with care. It should be used only by trained professionals in a controlled environment. The compound is not suitable for use in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Pertechnetate Resources
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