Description
Specialize in cardiac nuclear imaging by preparing, administering, and quantifying radiopharmaceuticals for myocardial perfusion, viability, and ventricular function studies. Operate SPECT/PET systems with ECG gating and process images for physician interpretation. Support exercise or pharmacologic stress testing, ensure radiation and patient safety, and perform equipment calibration and quality control.
- • Calculate, prepare, and document doses of cardiac radiopharmaceuticals per physician prescription and protocol.
- • Establish IV access and administer radiopharmaceuticals under physician direction, adhering to radiation safety.
- • Screen patients for cardiac history, medications, allergies, and contraindications; explain procedures and safety precautions.
- • Set up and conduct exercise or pharmacologic stress testing under supervision; monitor ECG, blood pressure, and symptoms.
- • Acquire ECG-gated SPECT or PET myocardial perfusion images at rest and stress; position patients and select acquisition parameters.
- • Perform gated blood pool (MUGA) or first-pass ventricular function studies as ordered.
- • Process and analyze datasets, including reorientation, motion and attenuation correction, and quantitative perfusion and function.
- • Generate images and preliminary technical notes for physician interpretation and reporting.
- • Perform daily and periodic quality control on cameras, dose calibrators, and ancillary equipment.
- • Maintain and calibrate imaging systems, collimators, and stress equipment per manufacturer and lab protocols.
- • Manage radiopharmaceutical inventory, generators, and eluates; receive, store, and dispose of materials per regulations.
- • Record administered activity, exposure, and waste; maintain accurate logs and EMR/PACS documentation.
- • Assist and observe patients throughout procedures; respond to adverse reactions and arrhythmias using emergency protocols.
- • Ensure ALARA practices and compliance with radiation safety, infection control, and accreditation standards.
- • Collaborate with cardiologists, nurses, and schedulers to coordinate patient flow and exam timing.
- • Train or precept students and new technologists in nuclear cardiology procedures and safety.
- • Participate in protocol optimization, equipment upgrades, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
