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Nuclear Medicine
Name
Institution Affiliation
Course Number
Professor’s Name
Date
, 2
Nuclear medicine is a vital area of modern medical technology that utilizes the principles of
radioactivity for both therapeutic and diagnostic imaging purposes. By employing radiopharmaceuticals,
clinicians can effectively observe and treat various medical conditions that impact a significant number of
patients around the globe (Aerts et al.,2021). This paper aims to explore the different types of radiation
commonly used in nuclear medicine, the preparation process for patients undergoing these medical
procedures, and the advantages and limitations faced in this field. Additionally, the paper will discuss
common ailments that are diagnosed and treated, as well as the applications of nuclear medicine
procedures.
Types of Radiation in Nuclear Medicine Procedures
Nuclear medicine commonly involves three types of radiation: positrons, gamma radiation, and
beta particles. Radioactive isotopes are used to emit this radiation and are then introduced into the body
through radiopharmaceuticals. Positron emission tomography (PET) relies on positron emission, where
the radiopharmaceutical emits positrons that bond with electrons, producing gamma rays that can be
detected by a scanner. Gamma radiation has long been used in medical imaging techniques, which can be
Nuclear Medicine
Name
Institution Affiliation
Course Number
Professor’s Name
Date
, 2
Nuclear medicine is a vital area of modern medical technology that utilizes the principles of
radioactivity for both therapeutic and diagnostic imaging purposes. By employing radiopharmaceuticals,
clinicians can effectively observe and treat various medical conditions that impact a significant number of
patients around the globe (Aerts et al.,2021). This paper aims to explore the different types of radiation
commonly used in nuclear medicine, the preparation process for patients undergoing these medical
procedures, and the advantages and limitations faced in this field. Additionally, the paper will discuss
common ailments that are diagnosed and treated, as well as the applications of nuclear medicine
procedures.
Types of Radiation in Nuclear Medicine Procedures
Nuclear medicine commonly involves three types of radiation: positrons, gamma radiation, and
beta particles. Radioactive isotopes are used to emit this radiation and are then introduced into the body
through radiopharmaceuticals. Positron emission tomography (PET) relies on positron emission, where
the radiopharmaceutical emits positrons that bond with electrons, producing gamma rays that can be
detected by a scanner. Gamma radiation has long been used in medical imaging techniques, which can be