Can Technetium-99m be used for therapeutic purposes?

• A. Yes, it is primarily for treatment
• B. No, it is mainly used for diagnostic purposes
• C. It can be used for both diagnostics and therapy
• D. Only in experimental settings

Answer: (B)

Technetium-99m is indeed primarily used for diagnostic imaging rather than therapeutic applications. As a radiopharmaceutical, it plays a crucial role in medical imaging techniques, particularly in nuclear medicine, where it is essential for procedures such as Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scans. The unique properties of Technetium-99m, including its ideal half-life of around 6 hours and its ability to emit gamma rays, make it particularly suitable for producing high-quality images of various organs and tissues in the body without significant radiation exposure to the patient.

While there are other isotopes and compounds that serve therapeutic roles in nuclear medicine, Technetium-99m is specifically designed for and primarily utilized in diagnostics, helping in the detection and monitoring of various conditions, such as cancers, heart diseases, and bone disorders. This distinction solidifies the understanding that Technetium-99m's application is centered around non-invasive imaging, making it a staple in diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.