18F

18F is a radioisotope of fluorine, commonly used in medical imaging, particularly in positron emission tomography (PET) scans. In this context, it serves as a tracer that helps visualize metabolic processes in the body. 18F is often combined with glucose to form a compound called fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), which cancer cells absorb more than normal cells. This property allows doctors to detect and monitor tumors, differentiating them from healthy tissues. Due to its short half-life, 18F is produced in cyclotrons and must be used quickly after production for effective imaging.