tracer

(noun)

A chemical used to track the progress or history of a natural process.

Related Terms

Examples of tracer in the following topics:

  • Tracers

    • A radioactive tracer is a chemical compound in which one or more atoms have been replaced by a radioisotope.
    • A radioactive tracer is a chemical compound in which one or more atoms have been replaced by a radioisotope.
    • The underlying principle in the creation of a radioactive tracer is that an atom in a chemical compound is replaced by another atom of the same chemical element.
    • In a tracer, this substituting atom is a radioactive isotope.
    • There are two main ways in which radioactive tracers are used:

  • Emission Topography

    • The system detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by a positron-emitting radionuclide (tracer), which is introduced into the body on a biologically active molecule.
    • Three-dimensional images of tracer concentration within the body are then constructed by computer analysis.

  • Matter and Antimatter

    • The system detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by a positron-emitting radionuclide (tracer), which is introduced into the body on a biologically active molecule.

  • Brain Imaging Techniques

    • As part of the scan, a tracer substance attached to radioactive isotopes is injected into the blood.
    • When parts of the brain become active, blood (which contains the tracer) is sent to deliver oxygen.

  • Structural Determination

    • An isotopic tracer is used in chemistry and biochemistry to help understand chemical reactions and interactions.

  • Medical Imaging

    • The system detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by a positron-emitting radionuclide (tracer), which is introduced into the body on a biologically active molecule.Three-dimensional images of tracer concentration within the body are then constructed by computer analysis.A PET scan is one of the many medical uses for radioactive isotopes