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Radioactive tracer

Radioactive tracers are used in imaging tests that help find problems inside the body. These tracers give off particles that can be detected and turned into a picture to help find problems in organs or other structures.

The tracer is usually given through an intravenous (IV) line placed in a vein. The tracer then travels through the body and may collect in a certain organ or area.

The types of tests that use radioactive tracers include positron emission tomography (PET) and nuclear medicine scans to look at specific organs such as the liver, lungs, kidneys, and gallbladder.

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC
- Diagnostic Radiology
Last Updated November 1, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 01, 2006
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