What is the shelf-life of Gallium-67 (Ga-67)?

Gallium-67 (Ga-67) is a radionuclide used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic imaging, particularly for imaging tumors and infections. The correct shelf-life of Gallium-67 is 78 hours, which means it remains radioactive and suitable for use within that timeframe after it is produced.

This period is significant because it impacts the logistical planning of radiopharmaceutical preparations and their administration to patients. The relatively longer half-life allows Ga-67 to be transported and applied in clinical settings without the immediate pressure of using it within a very short time frame.

When considering other options, it's important to note that a half-life of 110 minutes, 6 hours, or 2.8 days does not accurately represent the true decay rate of Ga-67. These timeframes are either too short to be practical for the nuclear medicine applications of Ga-67 or simply incorrect. The scientific and clinical applications of this isotope rely heavily on understanding its correct half-life, which assists in optimizing imaging protocols and ensuring patient safety.