In nuclear medicine, what does the term 'elution' refer to?

Elution in nuclear medicine specifically refers to the process of extracting radiopharmaceuticals from a generator or vial. This procedure typically involves the use of a saline solution to wash out the desired radionuclide from the parent material within the generator. The elution process is crucial as it allows for the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals that are then used for diagnostic imaging or therapeutic purposes.

In the context of nuclear medicine, ensuring the purity and concentration of the eluted radiopharmaceutical is essential for the safety and effectiveness of the subsequent procedures. Therefore, understanding elution is fundamental for professionals in the field, as it impacts the quality of the radiopharmaceutical prepared for use in various nuclear medicine applications.