What type of imaging study involves the use of radioactive materials?

Nuclear medicine is the type of imaging study that involves the use of radioactive materials. This field utilizes small amounts of radioactive substances known as radiopharmaceuticals, which are introduced into the body to diagnose or treat diseases. The radioactive materials emit gamma rays that can be detected by imaging equipment, allowing physicians to visualize the function of organs and tissues in a way that traditional imaging techniques do not.

In nuclear medicine procedures, the emitted radiation provides information about the physiology and biochemistry of the body, rather than just the structure. This can offer valuable insights in diagnosing conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and certain neurological disorders. The ability to assess how various organs are functioning on a cellular level makes nuclear medicine a unique and vital component of medical imaging.

Other imaging modalities, such as MRI, X-ray, and sonography, do not involve the use of radioactive materials. Instead, they rely on different physical principles, such as magnetic fields, ionizing radiation, or sound waves, respectively, to create images of the body's structures. Consequently, their diagnostic capabilities differ significantly from those of nuclear medicine.