Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) in Nuclear Medicine: Properties & Clinical Uses

Tc-99m is the workhorse radioisotope in nuclear medicine due to:

• 6-hour half-life: Low patient/staff radiation exposure.
• Versatile chemistry: Binds to many pharmaceuticals for targeted imaging.
• 140 keV gamma rays: Ideal for gamma camera detection.
• Mo-99 Generator Supply: On-site elution ensures daily availability.

Key Clinical Applications

• Bone Scan: Metastases, fractures, infection, arthritis.
• Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI): Coronary artery disease assessment.
• Thyroid Scan: Function, nodules, Graves/toxic adenoma.
• Lung V/Q Scan: Pulmonary embolism, ventilation/perfusion mismatch.
• Brain Scan: Tumors, perfusion, neurodegeneration.
• Renal Scan: Function, obstruction, reflux, transplant evaluation.

Safe for most; pregnant/breastfeeding women require individualized risk-benefit discussion.