Ammonia N-13
Ammonia N-13 is a type of radioisotope used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans. It is a radionuclide produced by cyclotrons and is used in medical imaging to assess the blood flow in the heart.
Production[edit | edit source]
Ammonia N-13 is produced by proton irradiation of water in a cyclotron. The process involves the bombardment of water with protons, which results in the production of oxygen-16 and a free neutron. This neutron then reacts with a nitrogen-14 atom to produce ammonia N-13.
Use in Medical Imaging[edit | edit source]
In medical imaging, Ammonia N-13 is used as a radiotracer in PET scans. It is injected into the patient's bloodstream and travels to the heart. The PET scanner then detects the gamma rays emitted by the decaying Ammonia N-13 and uses this information to create images of the heart. This allows doctors to assess the blood flow in the heart and detect any abnormalities.
Safety and Risks[edit | edit source]
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with the use of Ammonia N-13 in PET scans. These include allergic reactions to the radiotracer and exposure to radiation. However, the amount of radiation a patient is exposed to during a PET scan is typically low and is considered safe for most patients.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD