Description
Prepare, calculate, and administer positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals and perform PET or PET/CT imaging for diagnostic studies. Operate scanners and computer systems to acquire, reconstruct, and process images, ensuring accurate dosing, timing, and patient safety. Maintain radiation safety, hot-lab operations, and equipment quality control while supporting physicians with procedure selection and interpretation needs.
- • Calculate, measure, and record PET tracer activity received, administered, and disposed, following physician orders and regulations.
- • Prepare and administer 18F-FDG and other PET radiopharmaceuticals intravenously, verifying patient identity and timing.
- • Operate PET or PET/CT scanners to acquire emission and attenuation-correction data.
- • Reconstruct, fuse, and transfer PET/CT images for physician interpretation.
- • Explain procedures, preparation (fasting, hydration), and radiation safety to patients and assist during exams.
- • Screen patients for indications, pregnancy/lactation, implants, allergies, and diabetic status; check blood glucose.
- • Establish IV access, monitor the uptake period, and observe for adverse reactions.
- • Position and immobilize patients; select protocols, field of view, and acquisition parameters.
- • Quantify tracer uptake (e.g., SUV) and apply motion or respiratory gating when indicated.
- • Process oncology, neurology, and cardiac PET studies according to standard guidelines.
- • Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals per radiation safety procedures.
- • Perform daily and periodic quality control on PET/CT systems, dose calibrators, and survey meters.
- • Maintain and calibrate imaging and laboratory equipment; coordinate service as needed.
- • Manage hot-lab operations, including receipt, storage, inventory, and contamination control.
- • Conduct radiation surveys and maintain ALARA practices and documentation.
- • Record procedure details, doses, glucose values, and imaging parameters in EMR/PACS.
- • Train or supervise students and new technologists in PET procedures and safety.
- • Collaborate with physicians and physicists to optimize protocols and support accreditation or regulatory compliance.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
