indium113

Indium-113m is a metastable nuclear isomer of indium-113. It is a radioactive isotope commonly used in medical imaging and diagnostics. Indium-113m is produced as a byproduct of molybdenum-99 decay, specifically from the decay of technetium-99m. It is typically eluted from a generator containing molybdenum-99/technetium-99m to isolate the indium-113m.

The physical half-life of indium-113m is approximately 100 minutes, during which it decays primarily by isomeric transition, emitting a 392 keV gamma ray. This characteristic gamma ray energy is suitable for detection by standard gamma cameras used in nuclear medicine. Indium-113m can be chelated to various radiopharmaceuticals, allowing it to target specific organs or tissues for imaging. Common applications include brain imaging, bone imaging, and imaging of the reticuloendothelial system. Its relatively short half-life is advantageous as it minimizes patient radiation exposure while still providing sufficient time for imaging procedures. Indium-113m is considered a low-energy gamma emitter, contributing to its favorable imaging properties.