tracer
In science, a small quantity of a radioactive isotope (form of an element) used to follow the path of a substance. Certain chemical reactions or physical or biological processes can then be monitored. The location (and possibly concentration) of the tracer is usually detected by using a Geiger–Muller counter.
For example, the activity of the thyroid gland can be monitored by giving the patient an injection containing a small dose of a radioactive isotope of iodine, which is selectively absorbed from the bloodstream by the gland.
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|
?Sign in  |
|---|