Radiology Practice Test

Which type of radiation is primarily used in nuclear medicine?

1. Alpha radiation

2. Beta radiation

3. X-ray radiation

4. Gamma radiation

The correct answer is: Gamma radiation

In nuclear medicine, gamma radiation is primarily utilized due to its penetrating ability and suitability for imaging. Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves that can pass through the body and are emitted by radioactive isotopes used in various nuclear medicine procedures, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Gamma radiation's ability to penetrate tissues allows for the detection of radiopharmaceuticals that have been administered to a patient. As these agents accumulate in specific organs or tissues, the emitted gamma rays are captured by a gamma camera, creating detailed images that help physicians assess the functioning of those areas. This imaging capability is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and various metabolic disorders. In contrast, alpha radiation consists of heavy particles that are not able to penetrate skin or even a sheet of paper, making it unsuitable for imaging applications in medicine. Beta radiation, while it can penetrate tissue to some extent, is less effective for imaging purposes compared to gamma radiation. X-ray radiation is commonly used in conventional radiography and computed tomography but does not specifically pertain to the radioisotopes typically used in nuclear medicine. Thus, gamma radiation is the most appropriate and effective form of radiation for the purposes of nuclear medicine.