What is the half-life of Rubidium-82 Cl?

Rubidium-82 has a half-life of approximately 75 seconds. This short half-life is an important characteristic of the isotope, as it allows for rapid clearance from the body, which is beneficial in PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging. The use of Rubidium-82 is particularly advantageous in myocardial perfusion studies because it provides a clear indication of blood flow to the heart tissue while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient due to its quick decay.

In the context of medical imaging, the short half-life means that the production and administration of the radiopharmaceutical need to be well-timed to ensure that the imaging occurs while the radioactivity is optimal for detection but before it significantly diminishes. Understanding the half-life of radiopharmaceuticals like Rubidium-82 is crucial for radiopharmacy practice, as it impacts dosing, timing, and the overall effectiveness of the imaging procedure.