Radioisotopes are used in industry, medicine and chemical analysis - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 16 - 2001 - Paper 1

Technetium-99m is a widely used radioisotope in the field of medicine, particularly in diagnostic imaging. Its properties make it highly suitable for this application.

Firstly, Technetium-99m has a half-life of about 6 hours, which allows for sufficient time to perform imaging procedures without exposing patients to prolonged radiation.

Secondly, it emits gamma rays, which provide high-quality images when detected by gamma cameras. This allows for effective visualization of organs, bones, and tissues.

Moreover, Technetium-99m can be easily incorporated into various radiopharmaceuticals, enabling targeted imaging of specific areas in the body, such as the heart and brain, thus enhancing the diagnostic capabilities in clinical settings. The balance of its physical and chemical properties ensures minimal impact on the patient's health while maximizing the efficacy of the imaging process.