Positron emission tomography diagnostic applications

Because of the very short half-life of fluorine-18 the synthetic steps for introduction of the isotope into organic substrates must be kept simple and fast. The F-labeled diagnostics are prepared immediately before use. Their main field of application is medical diagnostics and elucidation of metabolic pathways by positron emission tomography (PET) [84] (Figure 4.22). 

Nuclear chemistry is the study of nuclear reactions, with an emphasis on their uses in chemistry and their effects on biological systems. Nuclear chemistr) affects our lives in many ways, particularly in energy and medical applications. In radiation therapy, for example, gamma rays from a radioactive substance such as cobalt-60 are directed to cancerous tumors to destroy them. Positron emission tomography (PET) is one example of a medical diagnostic tool that relies on decay of a radioactive element injected into the body. 

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