Radioisotopes

There are nearly 100 radioisotopes whose beta or gamma radiation is used in diagnosis investigations in nuclear medicine. Radioisotopes are radioactive isotopes of an element. Different isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei but differing numbers of neutrons. They can also be defined as atoms that contain an unstable combination of neutrons and protons. A very effective role for radioisotopes in nuclear medicine is the use of short-lived positron emitters such as 11C, 13N, 15O, or 18F in a process known as Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Incorporated in chemical compounds that selectively migrate to specific organs in the body, diagnosis is effected by detecting annihilation gamma rays–two gamma rays of identical energy emitted when a positron and an electron annihilate each other. Peer review refers to the work done during the screening of submitted manuscripts and funding applications. This process encourages authors to meet the accepted standards of their discipline and reduces the dissemination of irrelevant findings, unwarranted claims, unacceptable interpretations, and personal views. Publications that have not undergone peer review are likely to be regarded with suspicion by academic scholars and professionals.

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Last date updated on April, 2024