Analysis of metal-based contrast agents in medicine and the environment

Technetium (Tc) and Gadolinium (Gd) are the two most widely used metals in diagnostic medicine for scintigraphies and magnet resonance imaging (MRI), respectively. They play a crucial role for the generation or enhancement of contrast and are indispensable in countless diagnostic applications. However, the use of such contrast agents has caused severe health issues and environmental anomalies. This review aims to point out current issues and developments regarding the role and the analysis of these trace metals in medicine and the environment. Basic principles, issues and state of art of analytical methodologies are summarized. Current and future trends and the suggested implementation of novel methodologies and instrumentation are presented.