radiotraceres
Radiotracers are radioactive compounds used to visualize and measure biological processes in living organisms. They are typically small molecules or biologically active ligands labeled with a radionuclide. The choice of radionuclide depends on the imaging modality and the biological process of interest. Commonly used radionuclides include technetium-99m, fluorine-18, gallium-68, iodine-123, iodine-131, carbon-11, and nitrogen-13. The radiotracer’s distribution reflects the underlying chemistry and physiology it is designed to probe, such as metabolism, receptor expression, perfusion, or enzyme activity.
Radiotracers are produced in specialized facilities. Some radionuclides are generated in nuclear reactors or cyclotrons, or
In clinical practice, positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are the main
Radiotracer use requires careful consideration of radiation dose, pharmacokinetics, and safety. Doses are minimized and justified,