1. Nuclear Medicine Technologies

2. What is a positron?
A positron is a form of anti-matter with a positive charge.
When an electron and a positron meet, they are both annihilated (destroyed.)
Two gamma rays are emitted in different directions.

3. Positron Emission Tomography
A patient is given a tracer that is attached to a sugar molecule.
Rapidly growing cells need more sugar, so they will take in more of the tracer.

4. Positron Emission Tomography
The PET tracks the gamma ray pair and uses this to show where unusual cell growth is occurring.
Also can be used to monitor brain function
PET brain scan

5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Also called nuclear magnetic resonance.
Has no radiation involved
Measures magnetic fields sent out by the nucleus when stimulated by radio waves
No health risks unless you have metal in your body

6. Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Excellent at viewing soft tissues in the body