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Application of Nuclear Medicine

Introduction

Nuclear medicine is the application of radioactive materials to the diagnosis and management of disease in humans. It is primarily a diagnostic specialty and one of the most challenging and exciting branches of medicine. Nuclear medicine has recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of its first introduction to the medical world. In this note, I will highlight some of the significant developments that have been introduced to the world of medicine by this newly born science.

Background

The idea of using radioactive materials in human body was first suggested by Alexander Graham Bell in the early 20th century and is still valid and developing. Beginning in the 1980s until today, there has been rapid expansion in nuclear medicine techniques. High-speed computers have made the difference in the ability to image multiple radioactive drugs. The introduction of truly metabolic agents, such as radio labeled sugars, has enabled physicians to study cancer and heart disease ...

Posted by: Sheryl Hogges

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