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Imaging with CARE
Introduction
Each year an estimated 17 million nuclear medicine and
molecular imaging procedures are performed in hospitals and
medical settings across the United States. With nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, physicians can obtain unique insights into a patient’s body that allow for a more personalized
approach to the evaluation and management of heart disease,
cancer and brain disorders. Yet despite the important implications these procedures can have for patients’ health, in many
states technologists are not required to have certification or a
license to perform these tests.
Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging technologists
are responsible for performing a wide variety of highly
specialized procedures [see What Is Nuclear and Molecular
Imaging? p.3]. Conducting these procedures entails, among
other responsibilities:
• preparing and administering radioactive chemical compounds;
• performingpatientimagingproceduresusingsophisticated radiation-detecting instrumentation;
• completingcomputerprocessingandimageenhancemen;
• analyzingbiologicspecimensinthelaboratory;
With nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, physicians
can obtain unique insights into a patient’s body that allow
for a more personalized approach to the evaluation and
management of heart disease, cancer and brain disorders.
Imaging with CARE
• providingimages,dataanalysis,andpatientinformation
to the physician for diagnostic interpretation; and
• workingdirectlywiththepatientthroughouttheprocedure.
It is essential that technologists perform these scans correctly to ensure that high-quality information is provided to
physicians, that patients receive the lowest achievable dose
of radiation and that health care costs are minimized.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) has created
this report to bring light to the fact that mandatory, stringent
education and certification standards must be enacted for
technologists performing nuclear and molecular imaging
scans to ensure excellent patient care, safety, and effectiveness. SNM and the SNM Technologist Section are committed
to improving the quality and safety of medical imaging and
therapeutic procedures.
2
What is Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging?
Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses very
small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose, guide management and treat disease.
Most nuclear medicine procedures are molecular imaging
procedures that use radioactive substances to visualize the
molecular processes through which the body functions.
This provides physicians with molecular level—not only
anatomical or structural level—data that can help personalize treatment.
Nuclear and molecular imaging procedures are safe,
painless, and cost-effective; they provide a way for physicians to gather medical information that would otherwise be unavailable, require surgery or necessitate more
expensive diagnostic tests. Many times these procedures
identify abnormalities very early in the progress of a disease, long before many medical problems are apparent
with other diagnostic tests. With nuclear and molecular
imaging physicians can determine—almost in real-time—
the effectiveness of a treatment, allowing them to offer patients highly targeted therapies and to ensure that higher
The Need for High-Quality Imaging
Much depends on the quality of nuclear and molecular
imaging procedures. When performed properly, a molecular
imaging scan can provide unique information that allows
doctors to better diagnose, guide management of and treat
diseases; however, when performed improperly, the resulting
scan can be useless.
Before the nuclear or molecular imaging procedure takes
place, a technologist must determine the appropriate dose of
radioactive materials needed to obtain a high-quality imaging
scan based on a patient’s height, weight and affected part of
the body. Based on this information, technologists also calculate the length of time a patient should be scanned.
Imaging with CARE
doses of medicine are directed more precisely at problem
areas.
Common nuclear and molecular imaging technologies
include:
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans: Commonly
used in the staging of cancer and evaluation of treatment.
• Single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT)
scans: Used to diagnose brain and heart disease.
• Magnetic resonance spectroscopy: Used to study metabolic changes in brain tumors, strokes, seizure disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and other diseases affecting the brain.
• Optical imaging: Uses light-producing molecules
designed to attach to specific cells to identify cancer
cells or brain chemicals.
• Molecular ultrasound imaging: Uses microbubbles
for both imaging and therapy for a wide variety of
diseases and disorders, including cancer, heart
disease and inflammation.
Scan quality is affected by the positioning of the patient
and the scanning device. Scanners must be placed over
the appropriate body part, with the height and angle of the
scanner precisely measured. Based on the body part to be
imaged, technologists adjust the controls on the scanner to
account for density, detail and contrast.
If a scan is performed incorrectly, a poor-quality image
may be produced. This can result in the misdiagnosis of disease, delays in treatment and needless anxiety for the patient.
If additional testing is required, patients are exposed to an
increased amount of radiation. While imaging can be an invaluable tool, the procedures do carry a potential health risk,
and radiation can be harmful if administered improperly.
3
Reducing Health Care Costs
going registration in nuclear medicine is managed by two
Poor-qualityimagingaffectsnotonlyindividualpatientsbut national organizations—the American Registry of Radiologic
also the U.S. health care system as a whole. Repetition of Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology
medical imaging examinations due to improper positioning Certification Board (NMTCB).
To be certified by the ARRT, nuclear medicine technoloor poor technique costs the U.S. health care system millions of
gists
must have—within the past five years—successfully
dollars annually in needless medical bills.
According to the Radiologic Sciences of North America completed an educational program that is accredited by a
journal Radiology, approximately 130 million diagnostic ra- mechanism acceptable to the ARRT. After meeting the ARRT
diology procedures—including X-rays, magnetic resonance Standard of Ethics, candidates must then pass an ARRT eximaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans and nucle- amination,whichassessestheknowledgeandcognitiveskills
ar medicine scans—are performed on 30 million Medicare underlying the intelligent performance of the tasks typically
enrollees a year.[i] Approximately $2.4 billion was spent required of staff technologists practicing at entry-level within
by Medicare on medical imaging in 2006, according to the the discipline.
Government Accountability Office Medicare Part B Imaging Prospective technologists who graduate from approved
Services report.[ii] An estimated four to seven percent of these nuclear medicine technology programs or meet alternative
procedures are repeat procedures due to poor imaging.[iii] requirements(e.g.,relatedcourseworkorclinicalexperience)
Thus, by extrapolation, by ensuring high quality imaging and are eligible to take the NMTCB certification examination.
avoiding repeat scans, the federal government could possibly Candidates who pass the examination receive certification.
Currently, 30 states, as well as the District of Columbia,
generate $132 million each year.
have licensure or regulatory provisions for nuclear medicine
technologists that require them to be certified by either the
Figure 1. Cost of Nuclear Medicine
ARRT or the NMTCB. The remaining 20 states do not regulate
and Molecular Imaging (Medicare)
this profession at all.
Total federal funds per year spent
on nuclear medicine and molecular
imaging scans
Estimated percentage of all repeated
medical imaging exams
$2.4 billion
5.5%
Potentialfederalfundssavedeachyear $132million
by avoiding repeat nuclear medicine
and molecular imaging scans
Current Requirements for Nuclear
Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Technologists
Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging technologists
are regulated on a state-by-state basis. Certification and on-
Imaging with CARE
Improving Medical Imaging
Across the United States, it is possible that individuals with
little or no training are performing sophisticated medical
imaging procedures that, if performed improperly, could
harm patients and—further—cost the health care system
millions of dollars. To improve the quality of medical imaging,
the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence in
Medical Imaging (CARE) bill has been introduced on Capitol
Hill.
If enacted, this bill would establish minimum education
and certification standards for personnel who perform nuclear medicine and molecular imaging procedures. As a result,
institutions that provide medical imaging or radiation therapy
to Medicare patients would be required to employ personnel
who meet or exceed the standards set by the federal govern-
4
Figure 2
RegulatoryProvisionsforNuclearMedicineTechnologists
States that regulate nuclear medicine technologists
*List complete as of April 10, 2012
ment.
The CARE bill is supported by the Alliance for Quality
Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, a group co-founded by SNM, its Technologist Section and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists in 1998. Since then, an additional 20 organizations have joined the alliance; together,
the 23 groups represent more than 500,000 health care professionals. These groups include:
• AmericanAssociationofMedicalAssistants
• AmericanAssociationofMedicalDosimetrists
Imaging with CARE
States that do not regulate nuclear medicine technologists
•
•
•
•
•
•
AmericanAssociationofPhysicistsinMedicine
AmericanCollegeofMedicalPhysics
AmericanRegistryofRadiologicTechnologists
AmericanSocietyofEchocardiography
AmericanSocietyofRadiologicTechnologists
AssociationofEducatorsinImagingandRadiologic
Sciences
• AssociationofVascularandInterventional
Radiographers
• CardiovascularCredentialingInternational
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A Technologist’s Perspective
Ann Marie Alessi, BS, CNMT, NCT, RT(N)
SNM Technologist Section President
Having worked as a nuclear medicine technologist for
over 26 years, I am fascinated by how much the field has
changed. While PET and SPECT are common imaging
techniques, modalities like hybrid imaging with PET/MR
and optical fluorescence imaging are the new wave of
the future. With new technologies upon us every year,
it’s critical that nuclear medicine and molecular imaging
technologists are up to date on the techniques required to
appropriately perform the imaging scans.
To maintain licensure or certification, technologists
must complete a defined number of continuing education
hours each year to keep their skills and knowledge current. Without this education, a technologist may be relying on knowledge that was acquired during his or her
initial training, which can quickly become out of date.
SNM has several initiatives in place to help technologists remain current on the latest technologies,
including continuing education courses, opportunities for
advanced education, and publications on new modalities. The society also has a road show in which it travels
to its chapters throughout the country promoting the
importance of radiation safety.
We take keeping our patients safe seriously; that’s
why it’s important for there to be minimum education
and certification standards for technologists. With the
enactment of the CARE bill, we can make great progress
in ensuring that patients receive the best care possible.
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular
Technology
• Joint Review Committee of Education in Diagnostic
Medical Sonography
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic
Technology
• Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in
Nuclear Medicine Technology
• Medical Dosimetrists Certification Board
• Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
Imaging with CARE
• Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists of the
International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
• Society for Radiation Oncology Administrators
• Society for Vascular Ultrasound
• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals
• Society of Nuclear Medicine
• Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section
The bill is also supported by many consumer and medical
organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Cancer Research Foundation of America, Help Disabled War Veterans, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and others.
In June of 2011, the CARE bill (HR 2104) was introduced
in the House of Representatives by Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY).
As of April 13, 2012, it has 89 cosponsors. It is expected that
a companion bill will be introduced in the U.S. Senate as well.
What Does It All Mean for Patients?
Individuals undergoing nuclear and molecular imaging studies
should know that even in states that don’t have formal requirements, many technologists do hold certifications and are skilled
in their profession. Patients should be encouraged to discuss
with their physician what the recommended imaging procedure
entails and other pertinent details, as an informed patient is
the best patient. Examples of potential questions include:
• Does my state require licensure for nuclear medicine technologists?
• Does the facility performing my scan require certification
for nuclear medicine technologists?
• What type and dose of radiopharmaceutical will I receive
as part of my examination?
• Are there any side effects of the radiopharmaceutical of
which I should be aware?
Regardless of whether a state has licensure or regulatory
provisions, all individuals should contact their Congressional
representatives to encourage them to support the CARE bill.
References
I Radiology 2005; 234:824-832, Sunshine and Bhargavan, Utilization of
Radiology Services in the UnitedStates: Levels and Trends in Modalities,
Regions and Populations.
II US Government Accountability Office. Medicare Part B Imaging Services.
June 2008. http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08452.pdf
IIIAmerican Society of Radiologic Technologists. http://www.asrt.org/content/GovernmentRelations/CAREBill/faq_legislative.aspx.
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Appendix A: Listing of State Requirements
State
Licensure Requirements*
Continuing
Education
Requirements
Reference: Certification
Reference: Continuing Education (if different)
Alabama
None
None
N/A
N/A
Alaska
None
None
N/A
N/A
Arizona
Successful completion of state
examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/32/02812.
htm&Title=32&DocType=ARS
http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/32/02815.
htm&Title=32&DocType=ARS
Arkansas
Successful completion of state
examination, NMTCB examination
or ARRT examination
6 hours of
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/
continuing education hsLicensingRegulation/RadiationControl/Pages/Radiologiacquired within the cLicensing.aspx
year preceding the
date of renewal
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/
hsLicensingRegulation/RadiationControl/Pages/RadiologicContinuingEducation.aspx
California
Successful completion of state
examination, NMTCB examination
or ARRT examination
5 hours every 5
years per scope.
There are 4 scopes.
This totals 20 hours
every 5 years.
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/forms/CtrldForms/
cdph8435.pdf
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/radquip/Pages/RHBCEC-Renewal.aspx
Colorado
None
None
N/A
N/A
Connecticut
None
None
N/A
N/A
Delaware
Successful completion of state
examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
Per licensure require- http://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/
ment
title16/4000/ 4400/4466.shtml
See Certification Reference
District of
Columbia
NMTCB or ARRT certification
Per licensure require- N/A
ment
N/A
Florida
Successful completion of state
examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
12 hours every 2
years
http://www.myfloridaeh.com/radiation/radtech1.htm
See Certification Reference
Georgia
None
None
N/A
N/A
Hawaii
NMTCB or ARRT certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/noise/index.
html/radiationsection/radiationsection/pdf/rai.pdf
http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/noise/index.
html/radiationsection/radiationsection/pdf/radtechrenewal.pdf
Idaho
None
None
N/A
N/A
Illinois
NMTCB or ARRT certification
24 hours every 2
years
https://iema.illinois.gov/radiation/pdf/IEMA%20
091%2012-04.pdf
See Certification Reference
Indiana
NMTCB or ARRT certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://www.in.gov/legislative/iac/T04100/A00052.pdf
See Certification Reference
Iowa
Successful completion of state
examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/aspx/ACODOCS/
DOCS/641.42.pdf
See Certification Reference
Kansas
Successful completion of state
examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
12 hours every year
http://www.ksbha.org/statutes/booklets/radiologictechnicians.pdf
See Certification Reference
Kentucky
NMTCB or ARRT certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/radiation+operator.htm
http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/902/105/020.htm
Imaging with CARE
7
Appendix A: Listing of State Requirements, continued
State
Licensure Requirements*
Continuing
Education
Requirements
Reference: Certification
Reference: Continuing Education (if different)
Louisiana
Successful completion of state
examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://www.lsrtbe.org/documents/Louisiana_Radiologic_Technologist_Licensing_Law.pdf
http://www.lsrtbe.org/documents/ce_rules_and_regulations_for_the_web.pdf
Maine
Successful completion of NMTCB or 24 hours every 2
ARRT examination or NMTCB or ARRT years
certification
http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/02/chaps02.htm
See Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners
Maryland
Successful completion of NMTCB or
ARRT examination and NMTCB or
ARRT certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/comarhtml/10/10.32. 10.04.htm
http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/comarhtml/10/10.32.10.13.htm
Massachusetts
Successful completion of state
examination, or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
20 hours every 2
years
http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/
regs/105cmr125.pdf
See Certification Reference
Michigan
None
None
N/A
N/A
Minnesota
None
None
N/A
N/A
Mississippi
NMTCB or ARRT certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/140.
pdf
See Certification Reference
Missouri
None
None
N/A
N/A
Montana
None
None
N/A
N/A
Nebraska
None
24 hours every 2
years
N/A
N/A
Nevada
None
None
N/A
N/A
New Hampshire
None
None
N/A
N/A
New Jersey
Successful completion of state, ARRT, None
or NMTCB examination
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/rpp/RPRP_Rules/sub24.pdf
See Certification Reference
New Mexico
Successful completion of state
examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/nmac/parts/
title20/20.003.0020.htm
See Certification Reference
New York
NMTCB or ARRT certification
12 hours every year
http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/radiological/radon/docs/part_89.pdf
See Certification Reference
North Carolina
None
None
N/A
N/A
North Dakota
None
None
N/A
N/A
Ohio
Successful completion of state
examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
12 hours every 2
years
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/ASSETS/D4B8854092F6411CBB73B88621972A4D/Fr72_02.pdf
See Certification Reference
Oklahoma
None
None
N/A
N/A
Oregon
NMTCB or ARRT certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/rules/oars_300/
oar_337/337_010.html
See Certification Reference
Pennsylvania
Successful completion of NMTCB or None
ARRT examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/
community/state_board_of_medicine/12512/licensure_information/599413#forms
See Certification Reference
Rhode Island
NMTCB or ARRT certification
http://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/regdocs/released/ See Certification Reference
pdf/DOH/6514.pdf
Imaging with CARE
24 hours every 2
years
8
Appendix A: Listing of State Requirements, continued
State
Licensure Requirements*
Continuing
Education
Requirements
Reference: Certification
Reference: Continuing Education (if different)
South Carolina
Successful completion of state
examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://www.scrqsa.org/associations/3460/files/
Final%20Rules%20and%20Procedures%20July%202000.
pdf
http://www.scrqsa.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=3
South Dakota
None
None
N/A
N/A
Tennessee
None
None
N/A
N/A
Texas
Successful completion of NMTCB or 24 hours every 2
ARRT examination or NMTCB or ARRT years
certification
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mrt/mrt_rules.shtm
See Certification Reference
Utah
Successful completion of NMTCB or
ARRT examination
16 hours every two
years
http://www.dopl.utah.gov/laws/R156-54.pdf
http://www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/forms/applications/022_radiology_tech.pdf
Vermont
Successful completion of state
examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://vtprofessionals.org/opr1/radiology/rules/Radiologic_Technology_Rules.pdf
See Certification Reference
Virginia
None
24 hours every 2
years for radiography and radiation
therapy
N/A
N/A
Washington
Successful completion of state
examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
None
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=246-926 See Certification Reference
West Virginia
Successful completion of state
examination or NMTCB or ARRT
certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://www.wvrtboard.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=1q2
D7z97OX0%3d&tabid=338
http://www.wvrtboard.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=T2
RLfNioRIE%3d&tabid=322
Wisconsin
None
None
N/A
N/A
Wyoming
NMTCB or ARRT certification
24 hours every 2
years
http://plboards.state.wy.us/radiology/pdf/RadiologyRulesRegsChapter2.pdf
See Certification Reference
*ARRT is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists NMTCB is the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
Imaging with CARE
9
Appendix B: Glossary of Terms
Computed tomography (CT): A medical imaging technique that uses a computer to acquire a volume of x-ray based
images, generally reconstructed as two-dimensional or threedimensional pictures of inside the body. These images can
be rotated and viewed from any angle. Each CT image is
effectively a single “slice” of anatomy.
Contrast agent: A compound or other substance introduced into the body in order to create a difference in the apparent density of various organs and tissues, making it easier
to delineate adjacent body tissues and organs.
Diagnostic imaging: Imaging that uses technologies such
as x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET and SPECT to provide physicians with a way to look inside the body without surgery.
Diagnostic imaging is considered a non-invasive diagnostic
technique, as opposed to a biopsy or exploratory surgery.
PET, SPECT and some types of MR imaging also provide information about how certain tissues and organs are functioning.
FDG (F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose): A frequently used radiotracer in PET scanning. FDG is a compound in which a radioactive fluoride atom is attached to a molecule of glucose,
or sugar. Once in the body, the FDG molecule is absorbed by
various tissues. Radiation from the fluorine is used to create
pictures of how the radiotracer is distributed within the body.
Gamma camera: A specialized camera that is capable
of detecting gamma rays—the byproduct of a radiotracer, a
combination of a radioactive atom, called an isotope, and
another substance. The gamma camera creates two-dimensional pictures of the inside of the body from different angles.
Hybrid imaging: The combination of the two imaging techniques, such as PET/MRI or PET/CT, that allows information
from two different studies to be viewed in a single set of images.
Imaging agent: A substance introduced into the body as
part of a diagnostic procedure. In nuclear medicine, imaging
agents are typically a compound consisting of a drug or a
Imaging with CARE
natural substance, such as glucose, and a small amount of
radioactive material, which can be detected by an imaging
device to produce pictures of the inside of the body.
Ionizing radiation: Subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves that are energetic enough to detach electrons from
atoms or molecules, a process called ionization. Radiation
on the short-wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum,
such as x-rays and gamma rays are ionizing. Ionizing radiation is produced by radioactive decay, nuclear fusion and
particle accelerators.
Isotope: Atoms of a single element that have differing
masses. Isotopes are either stable or unstable (radioisotope).
Radioisotopes are radioactive: they emit particulate (alpha,
beta) or electromagnetic (gamma) radiation as they transform
or decay into stable isotopes.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A diagnostic scan
that uses high-strength magnetic fields rather than radiation.
MRI techniques are used primarily to study anatomy, but a
special type of MRI scan, functional MRI (fMRI), can be used
to map blood flow for functional studies.
Molecular imaging: An array of non-invasive, diagnostic
imaging technologies that can create images of both physical
and functional aspects of the living body. It can provide information that would otherwise require surgery or other invasive
procedures to obtain.
Molecular imaging technologies include traditional nuclear medicine, optical imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, PET and SPECT. Ultrasound, traditionally an anatomical
imaging technique, uses microbubbles to create molecular images.
Nuclear medicine: The use of very small amounts of radioactive materials (called radiopharmaceuticals or radiotracers)
to evaluate molecular, metabolic, physiologic and pathologic
conditions of the body for the purposes of diagnosis, therapy
and research. Nuclear medicine procedures can often identify abnormalities very early in the progress of a disease—
10
Appendix B: Glossary of Terms, continued
long before many medical problems are apparent with other
diagnostic tests.
Optical imaging: A molecular imaging procedure in which
light-producing molecules designed to attach to specific cells,
such as cancer cells or brain chemicals, are injected into the
patient’s bloodstream. Imaging is then performed using devices that are able to detect these molecules inside the body.
The two major types of optical imaging are bioluminescence
imaging, which uses a natural chemical—such as luciferase, the substance that enables fireflies to glow—to trace the
movement of certain cells or to identify the location of specific
chemical reactions within the body, and fluorescence imaging, which uses proteins that produce light when activated by
an external light source such as a laser.
Single photo emission computed tomography
(SPECT): Imaging that uses a gamma camera to detect radioisotopes that emit high-energy radiation. The gamma camera, which rotates around the patient, works with a computer
to create three-dimensional images of the distribution of the
tracer in the body.
For a complete listing of nuclear medicine and molecular
imaging terms, visit www.discoverMI.org.
Positron emission tomography (PET): A medical imaging technique that uses radiopharmaceuticals that emit positrons (positively charged electrons). A radiopharmaceutical
such as FDG is injected into the patient. The fluorine emits
positrons, which react with the first electron they come in contact with, annihilating both and producing energy according
to Einstein’s famous E=MC2 formula. This energy takes the
form of two photons (particles of light) with a very specific
energy level that shoot off in opposite directions. When these
photon pairs are detected by the PET scanner, the location
of the original fluorine atom can be extrapolated. Although
positron/electron annihilation is one of the most powerful reactions known to science, the amount of mass involved is so
small that the actual energy produced is not harmful to the
patient, and the fluorine decays rapidly into harmless oxygen.
Radiopharmaceutical: A type of imaging agent used in
nuclear medicine, a branch of molecular imaging. It is a compound consisting of a drug and a small amount of radioactive
material that localizes in specific organs or areas of the body
and can be detected by an imaging device.
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