Ion particles accelerated in a cyclotron are diverted by a magnetic field to a circular course until a desired energy is reached. The ion beam resulting from this procedure is e.g. used for the production of radionuclides.

See also Ion, Cyclotron.

The metabolism is the transformation of energy and matter within the body. That process of chemical digestion and its related reactions is essentials for all living organisms.

Fissile isotopes such as 233U, 235U or 239Pu get exposed to a thermal neutron beam. The resulting nuclear chain reaction is controlled by moderators such as graphite, Beryllium or heavy water.
For example Mo-99, source for Tc-99m, is produced by fission of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in a few reactors around the world (monitored and controlled by The International Atomic Energy Agency).

Characterization of atoms by their nuclear properties, as the number of protons and the number of neutrons. The different nuclides of an element are its isotopes (equal proton number, but different neutron numbers). Isomers of this particular nuclide are equal in the proton and mass numbers, but differ in their energy content. Unstable nuclides which are radioactive are called radionuclides.

See also Isotope, Isomer and Decay.

An Osteo CT or quantitative computed tomography (QCT) is used to measure bone mineral density (BMD). The high contrast discrimination of computed tomography can be used to examine the central skeleton for osteoporosis. Common CT scanners require a standard of reference to properly perform quantitative tissue analysis.
Osteo CT is the most accurate bone densitometry study, but is not widely available and delivers more radiation to the patient than dual energy x-ray absorptiometry.