Re: [Histonet] HT (ASCP) Exam
Microcurie is not a nickname. Radiation is measured
in "curies", or, if the radiation is in a low dose, in "microcuries". (Similar
to how distance is measured in "meters", or if in very small distances,
"micrometers".)
A curie is equal to 3.70 x 10(10) (That's 10
to the 10th power = 10 billion) disintegrations per second. If you remember,
radioactive chemicals decay/disintegrate, by emitting particles/radiation from
their atomic nucleus (proton/neutrons), and eventually turn into a
non-radioactive new chemical.
The curies unit of measure therefore applies
to any radioactive chemical, such as uranyl acetate, which is used in EM, or
could be used with measuring the amount of radiation given off by the
radioactive "dyes" used in sentinel lymph nodes, or the radioactive seeds found
in prostates that have had brachytherapy.
(In case you are wondering, it was named after
Madame Curie, who discovered radium.)
Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)SLS
William Beaumont Hospital
Royal Oak, MI 48073
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2003 5:06
PM
Subject: [Histonet] HT (ASCP) Exam
Question ! What chemical is nicknamed
"Microcurie"? This question is being asked on the HT (ASCP) Exam.
Thanks for your help !
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