What type of radiation does Tc-99m primarily emit for imaging purposes?

• A. Beta particles
• B. X-rays
• C. Gamma rays
• D. Alpha particles

Answer: (C)

Tc-99m primarily emits gamma rays, which are highly suitable for imaging purposes in medical diagnostics. This is due to the properties of gamma radiation; it has a high penetrating power, allowing it to pass through body tissues and be detected easily by imaging equipment such as gamma cameras. Gamma rays emitted from Tc-99m are critical in providing high-resolution images that help healthcare professionals accurately diagnose various conditions.

Unlike beta particles, which are charged and can cause more damage to tissues, gamma rays are neutral, making them safer for use in diagnostic imaging. Similarly, x-rays have different energy and interaction properties compared to gamma rays, and alpha particles have very low penetration and are primarily used in therapeutic applications rather than imaging. The choice of gamma emissions from Tc-99m as the primary radiation type supports its widespread use in nuclear medicine for imaging due to the clarity and quality of the resulting images.