Sc-44

Scandium-44 (Sc-44) is a radioactive isotope of scandium with a half-life of approximately 3.97 hours. It decays via positron emission to calcium-44, making it a positron-emitting radionuclide useful for imaging applications. Sc-44 can be produced artificially in cyclotrons through proton bombardment of calcium-44-enriched targets, and its relatively short half-life makes it well-suited for medical and research purposes.

Sc-44 is primarily used in medical imaging, specifically in positron emission tomography (PET). It offers advantages in diagnostic imaging due to its favorable decay properties and compatibility with various radiopharmaceuticals. Sc-44 has been studied for its potential in tumor imaging and monitoring biological processes in vivo, providing high-resolution images with minimal radiation exposure to the patient.

Scandium-44 is not found naturally and is encountered only in controlled environments such as medical research facilities and cyclotron laboratories, where it is produced and handled for immediate use in imaging studies. Its artificial production and short-lived nature ensure that it is limited to specialized applications.