Iodine-131

Iodine 131 is one of the many isotopes of this elements, it is also radioactive. Its half-life is 8.1 days and it radiates Gamma rays and Beta particles. It is used for many different purposes but mostly on medicine.

The most common use of this element is for Thyroid Cancer/Thyroid Gland disorders. A small amount of this isotope, just a few MicroCuries is administered to the patients either orally or through an injection. Now, depending on test that is being made, the doctor will check the amount of Iodine in the blood or excreted by the patient (urine). Also they have to measure the amount of Hormones the Gland is making, because, after absorption of Iodide-131 there may be a change on hormonal discharges.This way they will know the condition of the thyroid gland. The way to know hoe much of these has been absorbed is by measuring the gamma ray radioactivity of the blood/urine/organic material samples by the means of a geiger counter.

The following is a diagram explaining the way Iodide is administered and detected.