What does the term nuclear medicine mean?
(NOO-klee-er MEH-dih-sin) A branch of medicine that uses small amounts of radioactive substances to make pictures of areas inside the body and to treat disease.
What are examples of nuclear medicine?
Nuclear medicine procedures are used in diagnosing and treating certain illnesses. These procedures use radioactive materials called radiopharmaceuticals. Examples of diseases treated with nuclear medicine procedures are hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, lymphomas, and bone pain from some types of cancer.
What does pig stand for in nuclear medicine?
A colloquial term describing a container (usually lead or depleted uranium) used to ship or store radioactive materials. The thick walls of this shielding device protect the person handling the container from radiation. Large containers used for spent fuel storage are commonly called casks.
Why is nuclear medicine technology important?
Nuclear medicine imaging is useful for detecting tumors, irregular or inadequate blood flow to various tissues, blood cell disorders, and inadequate functioning of organs. During diagnostic procedures, the patient experiences little or no discomfort, and the radiation dose is small.
What is radioactive imaging?
Nuclear medicine imaging is a method of producing images by detecting radiation from different parts of the body after a radioactive tracer is given to the patient. The images are digitally generated on a computer and transferred to a nuclear medicine physician, who interprets the images to make a diagnosis.
Why are radiation containers called pigs?
The isotope is stored in a lead container that blocks the radiation from escaping and causing exposure to people. This lead container is called a “pig”, a term long used for referring to castings of lead or other metals.
What is a vial shield?
This Vial Shield is designed to aid in preparation of radiopharmaceuticals that require boiling. The vial is constructed of lead . 25″ (. 64 cm) thick. A 5.6 density flush mounted lead glass window provides protection and visibility.
What are radiotracers used for?
A radioactive tracer, radiotracer, or radioactive label, is a chemical compound in which one or more atoms have been replaced by a radionuclide so by virtue of its radioactive decay it can be used to explore the mechanism of chemical reactions by tracing the path that the radioisotope follows from reactants to products …
Is MRI considered nuclear medicine?
MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce high-quality, detailed images of internal body structures. This is a form of non-ionizing radiation. Nuclear medicine uses an ionizing radioactive tracer, usually injected into the blood, to produce images that show function of internal organs.
Which is the best definition of a nuclear particle?
An atomic particle that is electrically charged, either negative or positive. Radiation that is capable of producing ions either directly or indirectly. To expose to some form of radiation. One of several nuclides with the same number of neutrons and protons capable of existing for a measurable time in different nuclear energy states.
What are delayed neutrons in a nuclear reactor?
Typically depleted UF 6 may be processed for long-term storage in a more stable chemical form. HF is a by-product. Delayed neutrons: Neutrons released by fission products up to several seconds after fission. These enable control of the fission in a nuclear reactor.
What does washing solution mean in nuclear terms?
Washing solution (The solution that is introduced into the cow). The washings obtained by elution (the solution that comes out of the cow). To separate by washing (to milk). The state of an atom or nucleus when it possesses more than its normal energy. The excess energy is usually released eventually as a gamma ray.
What does namrc stand for in nuclear industry?
NAMRC The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre works with companies along the UK civil nuclear manufacturing supply chain, combining the manufacturing and engineering expertise of the University of Sheffield with the nuclear and materials capacity of Dalton Nuclear Institute at the University of Manchester.