Imaging techniques

Use of a gamma-emitting radioisotope as a tracer; technetium-99_m, iodine-131 and indium-111 and their relevant properties.

The properties should include the radiation emitted, the half-life, the energy of the gamma radiation, the ability for it to be labelled with a compound with an affinity for a particular organ.

The Molybdenum-Technetium generator, its basic use and importance.

PET scans.

Half-life

Physical, biological and effective half-lives;
\(\dfrac{1}{T_E} = \dfrac{1}{T_B} + \dfrac{1}{T_P} \); definitions of each term.

Gamma camera

Basic structure and workings of a photomultiplier tube and gamma camera.

Use of high-energy X-rays

External treatment using high-energy X-rays. Methods used to limit exposure to healthy cells.

Use of radioactive implants

Internal treatment using beta emitting implants.

Imaging comparisons

Students will be required to make comparisons between imaging techniques. Questions will be limited to consideration of image resolution, convenience and safety issues.