Thyroid hormone specific substances

A radionuclide refers to any type of radioactive material including elements and isotopes of elements. Most radioactive materials used in nuclear medicine consist of isotopes since individual medical treatment may require an isotope with specific radioactive properties. Radioisotopes show how the disease process alters the normal function of an organ. A patient swallows, inhales, or receives an injection of a tiny amount of a radioisotope. Cameras then reveal where the isotope accumulates in the body. Laboratory tests use radioisotopes to measure important substances in the body including thyroid hormones. Some facilities use isotopes to sterilize hospital itans such as sutures, syringes, catheters, and hospital clothing otherwise destroyed by heat sterilization. Sterilization using radioisotopes can prove valuable because the process permits the itans to ranain in their sealed packages. NRC rules outline minimum safety requiranents for workers and patients. 

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