What factor can decrease the effectiveness of Tc-99m imaging?

• A. Patient movement during the imaging process
• B. Low dosage of the radiopharmaceutical
• C. Inappropriate camera settings
• D. Insufficient radiopharmaceutical clearance

Answer: (A)

Patient movement during the imaging process is a significant factor that can decrease the effectiveness of Tc-99m imaging. When a patient moves, it can lead to blurring or distortion of the images being captured, compromising the clarity and quality necessary for accurate interpretation. This results in difficulties for radiologists in assessing the images and can ultimately affect clinical decision-making.

In nuclear medicine, maintaining a stable position during imaging is crucial, particularly because the images often rely on the precise location of radiotracers within the body. Movement can introduce additional noise to the image and affect the contrast resolution, leading to potentially missed diagnoses or misinterpretations. Therefore, ensuring patient comfort and minimizing movement is essential for optimal imaging outcomes.