Radiopharmaceuticals, Radiation, & Radiographic Contrast Agents Flashcards
1
Q
Element
A
- The smallest amount of a substance that exhibits the properties of that substance
- Grouped by the # of protons in each atom, and are arranged in the Periodic Table
2
Q
Radioactivity
A
- The process by which the nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting ionizing radiation
- Radioactive elements have nuclear imbalance (# protons/neutrons)
3
Q
Nuclide
A
- Term used to describe any atom by referencing the nucleus mass and energy
- # on top is mass
- # on bottom is atomic
- mass # = protons + neutrons
4
Q
Isotope
A
- Term used to describe elements with the same nucleus and the same # of protons but varying numbers of neutrons
5
Q
Radioactive Transformation
A
- Process by which a radioactive unstable element transforms to a less unstable or more stable element
6
Q
Curie (Ci) - unit of measure
A
- 3.7 x 10^10 nuclear transformations per second or disintegrations per second (dps)
7
Q
Becquerel (Bq) - unit of measure
A
- 1 Becquerel is equivalent to 1 disintegration per second
- 1 mCi = 37 MBq = 3.7x10^7 Bq
8
Q
Radioactive Half-life (T1/2)
A
- The time required for a radionuclide to decay to 50% of its original radioactivity
- Or, the time required for 50% of the radioactive atoms to decay
9
Q
Decay Constant
A
- Each radionuclide has a characteristic Decay Constant (λ)
- (λ) = ln2 / T1/2
- Large decay constant = small half-life = radionuclide decays rapidly
- Small decay constant = big-half life = radionuclide decays slowly
10
Q
Activity and Decay Constant
A
- Relationship between activity (A) and decay constant (λ) is:
A = λN / (3.7 x 10^10)
11
Q
Decay Equation
A
- Used to predict the radioactivity at any time once one knows the original radioactivity
- Nt = (N0)e^-λt
- Nt = # of un-decayed atoms at time (t)
- N0 = original # of un-decayed atoms at time = 0
12
Q
Radiation Decay Types
A
- Alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays are emitted from the nuclei of the radioactive atoms
- X rays are generated as electrons from higher orbitals fall down into lower orbitals
13
Q
Alpha particles
A
- Helium nucleus = 2 neutrons + 2 protons; charge of +2
- Emitted from nuclei of radioactive atoms
- Transfer energy in very short distances (50-90 um in tissue)
- Shielded by paper or layer of skin
- Primary damage from internal exposure to tissues (bone, kidney, liver, lung, spleen)
14
Q
Beta Particles
A
- Small, electrically charged particle w/a negative charge (negatron, electron) or a positive charge (positron)
- Ejected from nuclei of radioactive atoms
- Emitted with kinetic energy
- Shielded by low-density materials, such as plastic or wood (penetration 0.2-1.3 cm)
- Can cause tissue damage - skin burns
15
Q
Gamma Photons
A
- Electromagnetic photons or radiation
- Emitted from nuclei of radioactive atoms
- Emitted w/kinetic energies related to radioactive source
- Highly penetrating
- High-density shielding required: Lead, Tungsten, Concrete
- External radiation hazards