Thallium-201

Thallium-201 is a radioisotope of thallium, a chemical element with the symbol Tl and atomic number 81. It is commonly used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic purposes, specifically in myocardial perfusion imaging.

History

Thallium-201 was first discovered in the mid-20th century during the exploration of radioactive decay chains. Its potential for medical use was recognized due to its unique physical properties and decay characteristics.

Physical Properties

Thallium-201 is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of approximately 73 hours. It decays by electron capture, a process in which an electron from an atom's inner shell is drawn into the nucleus.

Medical Use

In nuclear medicine, Thallium-201 is primarily used in myocardial perfusion imaging. This is a type of medical imaging that helps doctors identify areas of the heart muscle that aren't getting enough blood flow. Thallium-201 is injected into the patient's bloodstream and is taken up by healthy heart cells. By using a special camera that can detect the radiation emitted by Thallium-201, doctors can see how well blood is flowing to all parts of the heart.

Safety and Risks

Like all radioactive materials, Thallium-201 carries some risks. These include the potential for radiation exposure and allergic reactions. However, the benefits of its use in medical diagnostics often outweigh these risks.

See Also

• Thallium
• Radioisotope
• Nuclear medicine
• Myocardial perfusion imaging