Radioactive isotopes, or chemical elements produced through the decay of atoms, are widely used in medicine. The branch of medicine known as nuclear medicine studies the use of radioactive materials for monitoring the internal functioning of organs and directed elimination of the affected or damaged tissues of the body. Thus, using radioisotopes in medicine for diagnostic purposes is essential for the overall functioning of the healthcare system and has no alternatives.
Technetium-99m presents one of the most common forms of radioactive isotopes used in medicine as a diagnostic tool. After being injected into the body, the radioisotope accumulates in specific tissues, emitting radiation. The radiation, which also provides information about the organ’s functioning, can be captured using SPECT or PET. The detectability of the energy emitted by technetium-99m makes it most suitable for diagnostic purposes. Moreover, technetium-99m occurs as a decay product of molybdenum-99 production, which indicates its low impact on the environment. Typical uses of the radioisotope include diagnosis of issues with the lungs, liver, brain, kidney, and bones. While exposure to technetium-99m can present possible risks to the patient’s health, the human body is capable of getting rid of the radioactive isotope through the discharge of waste materials. Moreover, for diagnostic purposes, medical organizations use a specific kind of technetium-99m which is safer than technetium-99m produced from natural sources.
However, the central issue connected with the use of technetium-99m is the shortage of radioisotope supply. Most modern reactors producing the radioisotope were built in the middle of the 20th century and currently have a limited lifetime (Bashir). The issue has a direct effect on the health of the people and overall society’s wellbeing. For example, the shortage of technetium-99m in 2008 resulted in the cancellation of critical diagnostic tests for many patients (Bashir). Thus, even though the use of technetium-99m in medicine provides significant benefits for diagnosing patients while being relatively safe for use, the shortage of the material represents a substantial threat to the population’s health. Lastly, the use of technetium-99m in medicine makes society dependent on the production of molybdenum-99.
Work Cited
Bashir, Kiran. “The Role of Radioisotopes in Medical Diagnostic Procedures.” Youth STEM 2030, 2022.