Radionuclide

Radionuclide (also known as a radioisotope or radioactive isotope) is an atom that has excess nuclear energy, making it unstable. This excess energy can be used in a number of ways, such as in medical imaging and treatments.

Overview

A radionuclide contains an unstable combination of neutrons and protons in its nucleus. The radionuclide will lose this excess energy by emitting radiation in the form of gamma rays, beta particles, alpha particles, or neutron radiation. This process is known as radioactive decay.

Radionuclides can occur naturally, such as radon and uranium, or can be created artificially. They are used in a variety of applications, including medicine, industry, and research.

Medical Uses

In medicine, radionuclides are used in both diagnosis and treatment. They are used in nuclear medicine and radiology to image the body and treat disease.

For imaging, a small amount of radionuclide is introduced into the body, usually by injection into the bloodstream. The radionuclide then travels through the body, emitting gamma rays which can be detected by a gamma camera. This allows doctors to see how organs are functioning and to detect any abnormalities.

For treatment, radionuclides can be used to deliver targeted radiation to a specific area of the body, such as a tumor. This can help to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Safety and Risks

While radionuclides can be beneficial in medical applications, they also carry risks. Exposure to radionuclides can cause damage to tissues and DNA, potentially leading to cancer. Therefore, it is important that their use is carefully controlled and that patients are fully informed of the risks and benefits.

See Also

• Nuclear medicine
• Radiology
• Radioactive decay
• Gamma camera

Radionuclide Resources
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