Radiochemical impurities can affect which aspect of imaging?

Radiochemical impurities can significantly impact the center of rotation (COR) in nuclear medicine imaging. The COR refers to the axis around which the imaging system rotates to acquire the necessary data for reconstructing images. If radiochemical impurities are present, they may introduce variations in the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical, which can lead to inaccuracies in the positioning and calibration of the imaging system.

These impurities can alter the expected signal from the radionuclide, potentially resulting in a miscalibration of the COR, which would affect the geometric fidelity of the images produced. Inaccuracies in the COR can lead to distortions and artifacts that compromise the quality of the final imaging results. Hence, controlling radiochemical purity is crucial for ensuring accurate imaging interpretations in nuclear medicine.