"Pertechnetate" is a chemical compound that has the chemical symbol TcO4- and is used in nuclear imaging. The spelling of the word comes from its composition of the prefix "per-" which means "excessive" or "beyond" and "technetate" which is derived from the element Technetium (Tc). The word is pronounced /pərˈtɛknɪteɪt/ with the stress on the second syllable. The phonetic transcription shows that the first syllable is pronounced as an unstressed schwa sound and the final syllable has a long 'A' sound with the ending '-ate' common in many chemical compounds.
Pertechnetate is a chemical compound that contains the radioactive isotope technetium-99m and commonly used in medical imaging procedures. It is an anionic form of technetium and exists as a negatively charged ion. The compound is stable and has a long half-life, making it suitable for diagnostic purposes.
Pertechnetate is most frequently used in nuclear medicine imaging techniques such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and gamma scintigraphy. It has a high affinity for certain tissues and organs, particularly the thyroid gland, salivary glands, and stomach. This radioactive compound can be administered to patients orally, intravenously, or inhaled, depending on the specific imaging procedure being performed.
In medical imaging, pertechnetate acts as a radioactive tracer, allowing healthcare professionals to visualize and assess the function of various structures within the body. As this compound undergoes radioactive decay, it emits gamma rays, which are detected by specialized gamma cameras. The images produced by these devices provide valuable information about organ function, blood flow, and potential abnormalities.
Due to its radioactive nature, pertechnetate should be handled and administered with caution. The compound's usage and disposal are regulated to ensure the safety of healthcare providers, patients, and the environment.
The word "pertechnetate" is derived from the chemical element "technetium" and the suffix "-ate". Technetium is a synthetic element that was first discovered in 1937 by Carlo Perrier and Emilio Segrè. The name "technetium" itself comes from the Greek word "tekhnētós", meaning artificial or created. The suffix "-ate" is commonly used in chemistry to indicate an anionic compound or a salt. Therefore, "pertechnetate" refers to the anionic form of technetium, which has a charge of -1.