Gamma radiation in medicine
Gamma radiation (γ radiation) is an electromagnetic force with a wavelength less than approximately 10-12 to 10-13 m.
Gamma-ray theory[edit | edit source]
The topic of gamma-ray theory is divided into the following subtopics:
Gamma radiation is a type of ionizing radiation that is produced during radioactive, nuclear, and subnuclear events together with alpha and beta radiation particles.
Gamma-ray interactions with the shell[edit | edit source]
γ radiation acts on the absorbing substance indirectly, by means of the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and the formation of electron-positron pairs. Linear attenuation factor:
Photoelectric effect[edit | edit source]
Compton effect[edit | edit source]
Formation of electron-positron pairs[edit | edit source]
Effects of gamma radiation on the organism[edit | edit source]
High-energy gamma radiation is able to cause the release of electrons from electron shells when irradiating substances and is therefore ionizing radiation. The effect of gamma radiation on humans and other biological materials must therefore be assessed from the perspective of the effect of ionizing radiation in general. This article deals with the effect of ionizing radiation (and therefore also gamma radiation) on organisms:
Protection against gamma radiation[edit | edit source]
Because γ radiation is very penetrating and has many negative effects on the human organism, it is necessary to protect oneself from it and thus limit its negative effects to a minimum. γ radiation is used in many medical procedures and in many technologies, but it is necessary to ensure that it has its effect where it is desired and does not have a negative effect where it is not desired. How we can protect ourselves from the negative effects of γ radiation is described in the following article:
The use of gamma radiation in medicine[edit | edit source]
Gamma radiation is used in medicine in a number of diagnostic and radiotherapeutic methods, which include:
Leksell's Gamma Knife[edit | edit source]
The gamma knife represents a gentle, non-invasive method of treatment, the principle of which is a one-time targeted irradiation of the affected area without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Gamma camera[edit | edit source]
Positron emission tomography (PET)[edit | edit source]
The device displays different tissues of the human body based on their different metabolism. A small amount of radioactive substance is administered to the patient when the device detects the outgoing radiation. More information at:
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)[edit | edit source]
The examination makes it possible to display changes in the function or metabolism of body structures (i.e. blood flow to the heart muscle or brain, inflammation, tumors, etc.) thanks to the capture of gamma radiation photons emanating from radiopharmaceuticals administered (most often intravenously) to the patient shortly before the examination with one to three gamma cameras. The result of the examination is a 3D visualization of the pathological focus. More information can be found by clicking on the following link.
Other methods used in medicine[edit | edit source]
Capture Neutron Therapy[edit | edit source]
Treatment with radionuclides[edit | edit source]
Radionuclides are an important part of modern medicine. At the same time, efficient production of these radionuclides is needed, as naturally occurring radionuclides are rare and expensive.
Radionuclide generator[edit | edit source]
Cobalt and cesium irradiators
