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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 Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Myo Min Han, MD - Nuclear Medicine
Last Updated October 24, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 24, 2008
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