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

One prominent use of a radioisotope in medicine is Technetium-99m (Tc-99m). This radioisotope is widely utilized in nuclear medicine for imaging and functional studies of organs. Its properties, such as a half-life of about 6 hours, make it ideal for medical diagnostics, as it allows for sufficient time for procedures while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient. Technetium-99m emits gamma rays, which can be detected by a gamma camera, providing clear images of the body’s internal structures. Additionally, it can easily be attached to various pharmaceuticals, enhancing its effectiveness in targeting specific organs or tissues.