Description
Nuclear Medicine Technologists (NMTs) prepare, administer, and document radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy. They operate gamma camera, SPECT, and PET/CT systems to acquire images and perform physiologic studies such as blood volume and red cell survival under established protocols. NMTs calculate and verify doses, compound and handle radiopharmaceuticals in the hot lab, apply radiation safety practices, and perform quality control. They maintain accurate records and collaborate with physicians to guide procedure selection and interpretation.
- • Calculate, measure, and record radiopharmaceutical doses received, prepared, administered, and disposed per prescription and regulations.
- • Prepare and compound stock radiopharmaceuticals and kits using aseptic technique and radiation-safety principles.
- • Verify patient identity, history, indications, allergies, and pregnancy/lactation status; obtain informed consent as required.
- • Explain procedures and radiation safety precautions; position and assist patients throughout exams.
- • Administer radiopharmaceuticals intravenously, orally, or by inhalation under physician direction.
- • Acquire and process images with gamma camera, SPECT, and PET/CT systems; generate datasets for physician interpretation.
- • Detect and map radiopharmaceutical distribution to evaluate organ function and pathology.
- • Perform cardiac function and perfusion studies; process and quantify results using computers.
- • Measure glandular activity, blood volume, red cell survival, or other physiologic parameters using appropriate instrumentation.
- • Add or tag radioactive substances to biological specimens or blood components for diagnostic studies.
- • Maintain, calibrate, and perform daily quality control on cameras, dose calibrators, survey meters, and hot-lab equipment.
- • Record and process procedure results; enter data into information systems and prepare images/reports for physicians.
- • Store, label, transport, and dispose of radioactive materials and waste in compliance with radiation safety procedures and regulations.
- • Monitor work area and patient radiation levels; perform wipe tests and contamination surveys.
- • Implement and document quality assurance activities and required regulatory compliance logs.
- • Train and precept students or subordinate technologists; assist with scheduling and workflow.
- • Assist in developing or updating imaging and therapy protocols and prepare patients for radionuclide therapy, including post-therapy radiation safety instructions.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
