Radiotracery
Radiotracery is a term used to describe the tracing and mapping of radiotracers within living organisms using nuclear imaging techniques. It encompasses the preparation of radiolabeled compounds, their introduction into a biological system, the acquisition of images, and the quantitative analysis of tracer distribution over time. While not universally standardized as a single discipline, radiotracery is often discussed in the context of molecular imaging, where functional information about physiology and biochemistry is obtained from radiotracer behavior.
Imaging modalities commonly involved are positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), frequently
Applications span oncology, neurology, cardiology, and pharmacology. In oncology, radiotracery informs tumor metabolism and receptor expression;
Limitations include ionizing radiation exposure, dependence on specialized radiochemistry facilities, partial-volume effects, and variability in tracer