The dosage of technetium-99m for a lung scan is 20. µCi/kg of body mass. How many millicuries of technetium-99m should be given to a 50.0-kg person (1 mCi = 1000 µCi)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Start by identifying the given information. The dosage of technetium-99m is 20. µCi/kg, and the body mass of the person is 50.0 kg. Additionally, note the conversion factor: 1 mCi = 1000 µCi.
2. Step 2: Calculate the total dosage in microcuries (µCi) by multiplying the dosage per kilogram by the body mass. Use the formula: \( \text{Total dosage (µCi)} = \text{Dosage per kg (µCi/kg)} \times \text{Body mass (kg)} \).
3. Step 3: Substitute the given values into the formula: \( \text{Total dosage (µCi)} = 20. \text{µCi/kg} \times 50.0 \text{kg} \).
4. Step 4: Convert the total dosage from microcuries (µCi) to millicuries (mCi) using the conversion factor \( 1 \text{mCi} = 1000 \text{µCi} \). Use the formula: \( \text{Total dosage (mCi)} = \frac{\text{Total dosage (µCi)}}{1000} \).
5. Step 5: Substitute the calculated total dosage in µCi into the conversion formula to find the dosage in mCi.

Key Concepts

Radioactive Dosage Calculation

Radioactive dosage calculation involves determining the appropriate amount of a radioactive substance to administer based on a patient's body mass. In this case, the dosage of technetium-99m is given in microcuries per kilogram of body mass, necessitating a conversion to millicuries for the final dosage. Understanding how to perform these calculations is essential for ensuring patient safety and effective imaging.

Units of Radioactivity

Units of radioactivity are crucial for understanding how radioactive substances are measured and administered. The microcurie (µCi) and millicurie (mCi) are common units, where 1 mCi equals 1000 µCi. Familiarity with these units allows for accurate conversions and ensures that the correct dosage is given based on the specified units in medical protocols.

Technetium-99m in Medical Imaging

Technetium-99m is a widely used radioactive isotope in medical imaging, particularly in nuclear medicine for procedures like lung scans. Its properties allow for effective imaging due to its suitable half-life and gamma radiation emission. Understanding its role and dosage is vital for healthcare professionals to optimize diagnostic procedures while minimizing radiation exposure to patients.