There are several types of tracers used in toxicology:
Radioactive Tracers: These include isotopes like carbon-14 and tritium. They are highly sensitive and can detect minute quantities of substances. However, their use is limited due to safety concerns and regulatory restrictions. Stable Isotopes: Non-radioactive isotopes, such as carbon-13 and nitrogen-15, are safer alternatives to radioactive tracers. They require sophisticated analytical techniques, like mass spectrometry, for detection. Fluorescent Tracers: These tracers emit light when excited by a specific wavelength. They are useful for cellular and molecular studies, offering high spatial resolution.