Chapter 16.5, Problem 36PP

Interpretation Introduction

To determine:

1. The reason for using gamma radiation which is emitted only from technetium- $\text{99m}$for diagnosis imaging instead of an isotope which also emits beta or alpha radiation.
2. The reason for the treatment of the patient with polycythemia vera (excess production of red blood cells) receives radioactive phosphorus-32 to reduce the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

Solutions:

1. Gamma radiation penetrates deeper in tissues in comparison to alpha or beta radiations. A pure gamma emitter gives better scan since all emitting radiations have the same penetration power. If an isotope producing beta or alpha radiations is used, the scan image looks less resolved and might cause unwanted damage to the body.
2. The radioisotope phosphorus-32 injected gets incorporated in the bone marrow. The emitted radiations start damaging the bone marrow tissue which are producing extra red blood cells. Thus,getting the red blood cells count in control.