Main content
Health Information
Sutter Roseville Medical Center
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.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Myo Min Han, MD - Nuclear Medicine |
| Last Revised | October 24, 2008 |
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 24, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Myo Min Han, MD - Nuclear Medicine |
|
© 1995-2010, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.