lec 9 Flashcards
What is the main function of Nuclear Medicine?
Diagnostic using Radionuclides (radioisotopes)
Nuclear medicine primarily focuses on diagnosing diseases through imaging techniques that utilize radioactive substances.
Why is Tc-99m referred to as the workhorse of Nuclear Medicine?
Because of its short T1/2 (6 hrs), low energy (140 kev), easy excretion, and affordability
Tc-99m is favored for its ideal properties for imaging, allowing for effective and efficient diagnostic procedures.
What are the four characteristics of versatile Radiopharmaceuticals formulations?
- Rapid blood clearance to the organ under study
- Minimum random distribution in the body
- High target: non-target ratio
- Minimum background effect
These characteristics enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of imaging tests in nuclear medicine.
What are the requirements influencing the accuracy of Nuclear Medicine diagnostic tests?
- Radioactive concentration/activity per volume of the kit
- Specific Activity
- In vitro labeling time
- In vivo labeling time
- Quality Control (QC)
Each of these factors contributes to the reliability of the diagnostic information obtained from imaging tests.
What is the primary device used in Nuclear Medicine imaging?
Gamma camera and PET scanners
These devices detect the radiation emitted from the radiopharmaceuticals administered to the patient.
What is the difference between static and dynamic imaging studies?
- Static: e.g. thyroid scan
- Dynamic: e.g. renal scan
Static studies provide a snapshot of organ function, while dynamic studies track changes over time.
Fill in the blank: The mechanism of localization for Tc-99m-DMSA in renal scanning is through _______.
binding to the cells of the nephrons
This binding allows for the visualization of kidney function and structure.
What is the clinical application of 99mTc-DTPA in renal scanning?
- Glomerular function with GFR measurement
- Diagnosis of renovascular hypertension
- Diagnosis of obstructive uropathy
- Renal transplant evaluation
99mTc-DTPA is crucial for assessing kidney health and function.
What is the purpose of a thyroid scan using Tc-99mO4?
To detect thyroid tumors and hyper/hypothyroidism
The scan provides valuable information about thyroid function and potential abnormalities.
True or False: The patient is the source of irradiation in Nuclear Medicine imaging.
True
This is a key characteristic that distinguishes nuclear medicine from other imaging modalities.
What is the method of administration for Tc-99m-MDP in skeletal scanning?
Intravenous (I.V.) injection
This method allows for the radiopharmaceutical to circulate and localize in the bone tissue.
What is the sensitivity of skeletal scanning compared to x-ray?
97% for skeletal scanning vs 60% for x-ray
This highlights the superior sensitivity of nuclear imaging in detecting bone conditions.
List the types of studies associated with various Tc-99m Radiopharmaceutical kits.
- Tc-99m O4: Thyroid Scintigraphy
- Tc-99m DTPA: Renal Function Scintigraphy
- Tc-99m MDP: Bone Scintigraphy
- Tc-99m HIDA: Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy
- Tc-99m MIBI: Cardiac Scintigraphy
These kits are tailored for specific diagnostic purposes in nuclear medicine.
What should a patient do before receiving Tc-99m-MDP for skeletal scanning?
Drink plenty of water before and during waiting time
Hydration helps improve the quality of the imaging and facilitates the excretion of the radiopharmaceutical.
What is the significance of the waiting time after injecting Tc-99m-DMSA?
Allows accumulation in kidney cells before imaging
This time is critical for obtaining accurate images of kidney function.
