Diagnostic imaging embraces several procedures that aid in diagnosing ailments, the most familiar being the x ray. In nuclear medicine, radionuclides—unstable atoms that emit radiation spontaneously—are used to diagnose and treat disease. Radionuclides are purified and compounded to form radiopharmaceuticals. Nuclear medicine technologists administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients and then monitor the characteristics and functions of tissues or organs in which the drugs localize. Abnormal areas show higher-than-expected or lower-than-expected concentrations of radioactivity. Nuclear medicine differs from other diagnostic imaging technologies because it determines the presence of disease on the basis of metabolic changes rather than changes in organ structure.
Nuclear medicine technologists operate cameras that detect and map the radioactive drug in a patient's body to create diagnostic images. After explaining test procedures to patients, technologists prepare a dosage of the radiopharmaceutical and administer it by mouth, injection, inhalation, or other means. They position patients and start a gamma scintillation camera, or "scanner," which creates images of the distribution of a radiopharmaceutical as it localizes in, and emits signals from, the patient's body. The images are produced on a computer screen or on film for a physician to interpret.
When preparing radiopharmaceuticals, technologists adhere to safety standards that keep the radiation exposure as low as possible to workers and patients. Technologists keep patient records and document the amount and type of radionuclides that they receive, use, and discard.
Work environment. Physical stamina is important because nuclear medicine technologists are on their feet much of the day and may have to lift or turn disabled patients. In addition, technologists must operate complicated equipment that requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity.
Although the potential for radiation exposure exists in this field, it is minimized by the use of shielded syringes, gloves, and other protective devices and by adherence to strict radiation safety guidelines. The amount of radiation in a nuclear medicine procedure is comparable to that received during a diagnostic x-ray procedure. Technologists also wear badges that measure radiation levels. Because of safety programs, badge measurements rarely exceed established safety levels.
Nuclear medicine technologists generally work a 40-hour week, perhaps including evening or weekend hours, in departments that operate on an extended schedule. Opportunities for part-time and shift work also are available. In addition, technologists in hospitals may have on-call duty on a rotational basis, and those employed by mobile imaging services may be required to travel to several locations.
| 1. | Calculate, measure and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription. |
| 2. | Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images. |
| 3. | Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures. |
| 4. | Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation to patients to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of physician. |
| 5. | Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician. |
| 6. | Process cardiac function studies, using computer. |
| 7. | Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures. |
| 8. | Record and process results of procedures. |
| 9. | Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients. |
| 10. | Maintain and calibrate radioisotope and laboratory equipment. |
| 11. | Gather information on patients' illnesses and medical history to guide the choice of diagnostic procedures for therapy. |
| 12. | Measure glandular activity, blood volume, red cell survival, and radioactivity of patient, using scanners, Geiger counters, scintillometers, and other laboratory equipment. |
| 13. | Train and supervise student or subordinate nuclear medicine technologists. |
| 14. | Position radiation fields, radiation beams, and patient to allow for most effective treatment of patient's disease, using computer. |
| 15. | Add radioactive substances to biological specimens, such as blood, urine and feces, to determine therapeutic drug or hormone levels. |
| 16. | Develop treatment procedures for nuclear medicine treatment programs. |
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