Many radioactive isotopes are used in medicine for imaging and treatment purposes. The specific isotopes used...

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Chemistry

Many radioactive isotopes are used in medicine for imaging andtreatment purposes. The specific isotopes used depends on theparticular organ or body system being studied (for example, Xe-133is used to image lung function and blood flow.) For thyroidimaging, isotopes of iodine are used, commonly I-123 and I-131,which have half-lives of 13.2 hours and 8.0 days, respectively.

Why is iodine used for thyroid imaging (as opposed to any otherelement)?

I-129 is an extremely rare isotope of iodine with a half-life of15.7 million years. Assuming it was much more abundant in nature,would I-129 be a good substitute for I-123 or I-131 in thyroidimaging? Why or why not?

Although both I-123 and I-131 can be used in imaging of thethyroid, only I-131 is used in treating thyroid cancer. Whatdifference in radioactivity between I-123 and I-131 accounts forthis preference?

Sometimes non-radioactive isotopes of iodine can be preferreddepending on the intended medical use. For example, many peoplepreparing for a nuclear disaster stockpile KI tablets(non-radioactive). Why would someone consume KI during aradioactive disaster? Would you consider purchasing KI tablets as aprecaution? Why or why not?

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4.1 Ratings (650 Votes)
i Iodine is used in the treatment of the thyroid disease Therefore iodine is also used for thyroid imaging among the several elements ii If I129 is much more abundant in nature    See Answer
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