Final answer:
A patient having radioactive isotopes injected would be in the nuclear medicine department, where diagnostic and therapeutic procedures utilizing radioisotopes help image and treat various conditions like thyroid disorders and cancers. Diagnostic imaging uses low doses, while treatments may require larger doses to target diseased tissues effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient receiving an injection of radioactive isotopes would typically be seen in the nuclear medicine department of a hospital. In nuclear medicine, a low dose of a radioisotope is administered to the patient for diagnostic imaging purposes. The gamma rays (y-rays) emitted from the radioisotope pass through the body and are recorded in a manner similar to X-rays. A computer thereafter converts these recordings into functional images that can be compared to those of healthy organs to diagnose malfunctions.
For example, iodine-131 may be used to image the thyroid due to its ability to concentrate there, especially in active or cancerous cells. Conversely, thallium is employed for cardiovascular system imaging. Another isotope, Gallium-67, can be used for cancer imaging due to its accumulation in rapidly growing cells such as tumors. These diagnostic techniques require only a tiny amount of radioactive material, but therapeutic uses, such as treating thyroid tumors or bone cancers, demand much higher doses for their efficacy.
During internal radiation therapy, a short-lived radioisotope that selectively concentrates in the target organ or tissue is used. For example, iodine-131 treats hyperthyroidism by concentrating in the thyroid gland. The patients and healthcare professionals are protected by special safety protocols when in the vicinity of these powerful yet beneficial radioactive materials.