Question

Rosa is participating in a study in which she will have her brain activity monitored while she completes a puzzle. The researcher explains to Rosa that a radioactive substance called a tracer will be injected into her bloodstream to allow her brain activity to be tracked. What type of brain scan is Rosa about to receive?

Answer 1

Answer:

A SPECT tomography or a PET tomography

Explanation:

Tracers are substances that have been labeled with a radioactive atom which emits radioactive gamma-ray or positron signals that can be detected in a scan, thus pinpointing the area where they accumulate and allowing the health personnel to identify the part of the organ that is affected or that is carrying out a specific function. The detection is carried out by a SPECT scan (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) or a PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography). PET scans are commonly used to detect areas where glucose utilization is increased, such as in cancer cells. Also PET is commonly used in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, so it is likely that Rosa will receive a PET scan.