Radioisotopes: An overview
Many elements which found on earth exist in different atomic configurations and are termed isotopes which have same atomic number but differ in their atomic mass. these unstable element decay by emission of energy such isotopes, which emit radiation, are called radioisotopes. Using of these isotopes in various sectors like industries, agriculture, healthcare and research centres has got a great importance at present. In health care sector, these isotopes are used in nuclear medicine as diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. radionuclide imaging (or functional imaging) is a branch of medicine which provides the only means of assessing physiologic changes that is a direct result of biochemical alterations and is based on the radiotracer method. In nuclear medicine procedures, radionuclides are combined with other chemical compounds or pharmaceuticals to form radiopharmaceuticals. these radiopharmaceuticals, once administered to the patient, can localize to specific organs or cellular receptors. this unique ability of radiopharmaceuticals allows nuclear medicine