How is radioactivity used in medical diagnostics?

Radioactivity is used in medical diagnostics through the use of radioactive tracers.

Radioactive tracers are used to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions. These tracers are injected into the body and then detected using special imaging equipment. The radiation emitted by the tracer can be detected and used to create images of the body's internal structures and functions.

One common use of radioactive tracers is in nuclear medicine imaging, which includes procedures such as PET scans and SPECT scans. These scans can be used to detect cancer, heart disease, and other conditions by imaging the body's metabolic processes.

Radioactive tracers can also be used to measure the function of specific organs, such as the thyroid or kidneys. For example, a radioactive iodine tracer can be used to measure thyroid function, while a radioactive tracer can be used to measure kidney function.

Overall, the use of radioactive tracers in medical diagnostics allows for non-invasive imaging and monitoring of various medical conditions. While there are risks associated with radiation exposure, the benefits of these diagnostic procedures often outweigh the risks.