Radiotracer: meaning, definitions and examples
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radiotracer
[ ˈreɪdiəʊˌtreɪsər ]
medical imaging
A radiotracer is a radioactive substance used in medical imaging to help visualize and assess bodily functions. It can be injected, ingested, or inhaled, and emits radiation that is detected by imaging devices. Radiotracers are commonly used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
Synonyms
radioisotope, radiopharmaceutical.
Examples of usage
- The doctor administered a radiotracer before the PET scan.
- Radiotracers help diagnose cancer by highlighting abnormal tissue.
- It’s essential to use the correct radiotracer for accurate imaging results.
Translations
Translations of the word "radiotracer" in other languages:
🇵🇹 radiotraçador
🇮🇳 रेडियोट्रेसर
🇩🇪 Radiotracer
🇮🇩 radiotracer
🇺🇦 радіотрейсер
🇵🇱 radiotracer
🇯🇵 ラジオトレーサー
🇫🇷 radiotraceur
🇪🇸 radiotrazador
🇹🇷 radyotracer
🇰🇷 방사선 추적기
🇸🇦 مُتَتبِع إشعاعي
🇨🇿 radiotracer
🇸🇰 radiotracer
🇨🇳 放射性示踪剂
🇸🇮 radiotracer
🇮🇸 geislaskönnuður
🇰🇿 радиотрейсер
🇬🇪 რადიოტრეიკერი
🇦🇿 radiotracer
🇲🇽 radiotrazador
Etymology
The term 'radiotracer' is derived from two elements: 'radio-', which refers to radiation and radioactivity, and 'tracer', which denotes a substance that can be followed through a system. The history of radiotracers dates back to the mid-20th century when advances in nuclear physics and technology allowed for the development of radioisotopes for medical use. Early uses involved tracing the path of substances in biological systems using these radioactive markers. As imaging technologies evolved, particularly with the introduction of PET and SPECT, the role of radiotracers became central to non-invasive diagnostics. The understanding of biological processes at the molecular level has advanced significantly due to the applications of radiotracers, enabling the detection of diseases such as cancer and heart conditions at earlier stages.