Suppose oxygen-15 is used as the tracer isotope in a PET (positron emission tomography) study. Which of the following best describes how the PET scanner traces the oxygen-15 after it has been injected into a participant's bloodstream?
A)The oxygen-15 nuclei decay and emit electrons, the electrons collide with positrons to create gamma rays, and the gamma rays are then detected by the PET scanner.
B)The oxygen-15 nuclei decay and emit positrons, and the positrons are then detected by the PET scanner.
C)The oxygen-15 nuclei decay and emit electrons, and the electrons collide with photons, creating positrons which are then detected by the PET scanner.
D)The oxygen-15 nuclei decay and emit positrons, the positrons collide with electrons to create gamma rays, and the gamma rays are then detected by the PET scanner.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oxygen-15 is a positron emitter. When it decays, it emits positrons that, upon encountering electrons, annihilate each other, producing gamma rays. These gamma rays are then detected by the PET scanner, allowing for imaging.

Suppose Oxygen-15 Is Used as the Tracer Isotope in a PET