Nuclear Medicine and Blood Analysis Flashcards
Nuclear Medicine
Definition: A medical specialty using radioactive substances for diagnosis and treatment.
Example: PET scans for cancer detection.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Definition: Imaging test that uses radioactive tracers to visualise metabolic processes.
Use: Often used to detect cancer.
Gamma Camera
Definition: A device used in nuclear medicine to capture images from gamma radiation.
Example: Utilised in bone scans and PET scans.
Blood Analysis
Definition: Laboratory tests conducted on blood samples to assess health.
Example: Complete blood count (CBC) to measure blood cell levels.
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)
Definition: A measure of the number of red blood cells in the blood.
Use: Low counts can indicate anaemia.
White Blood Cell Count (WBC)
Definition: Measures the number of white blood cells, important for immune response.
Example: Elevated levels can indicate infection.
Platelets
Definition: Cells involved in blood clotting.
Example: Low platelet count can lead to excessive bleeding.