In Nuclear Scintigraphy, what do radiotracers emit?

In Nuclear Scintigraphy, radiotracers play a crucial role in imaging and diagnosis. Radiotracers are radioactive substances that emit gamma rays as they decay. This characteristic is particularly beneficial because gamma rays can penetrate body tissues and be detected by specialized cameras, allowing for the visualization of physiological processes and the detection of abnormalities within the body.

When these gamma rays are emitted from the radiotracer, they carry information about the function of organs or tissues being studied, helping to create detailed images for medical analysis. The process utilizes the fact that the amount of gamma radiation detected corresponds to the distribution and activity of the radiotracer within the body.

Ultrasound waves are used in imaging systems that rely on sound waves, and X-rays are produced by different mechanisms and are not a product of radiotracer decay. Infrared radiation is also unrelated, as it pertains to thermal imaging rather than nuclear scintigraphy. By emitting gamma rays, radiotracers provide essential diagnostic information in a non-invasive manner, which is the core functionality of Nuclear Scintigraphy.