Nuclear Medicine Pet/CT Technologist
UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP
18405 (NE S SEIU 925 HCP/LT)
22595 (NE H NI SEIU 925 HCP/LT)
BASIC FUNCTION
Perform PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography with transmission (x-ray) Computed Tomography) examinations for clinical and research cases.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Under general direction, performs clinical and research PET and/or PET/CT examinations and assists in the development of new PET/CT procedures. Examinations require assessing metabolic information, applying attenuation correction, performing PET cardiac studies, injecting different high energy radiopharmaceuticals, and troubleshooting equipment in a time-critical environment. Examinations include computed tomography (CT) studies, with and without contrast; CT studies may be done in conjunction with PET exams, as requested by physicians.
TYPICAL WORK
Perform complex Positron Emission Tomography examinations, attenuation scans, and reconstructions utilizing a dedicated PET/CT scanner in coordination with an on-site cyclotron and external isotope supplier;
Process acquired PET/CT data to generate a standard uptake value, judging the acceptable parameters for normal and abnormal uptake on coronal images and label appropriately, as needed.
Process and produce for physician review PET and CT fused images in multiple planes: axial, sagittal and coronal.
Review requisitions, verify patient and procedure, verify patient information prior to administration of PET radiopharmaceutical or CT contrast and bring discrepancies in requests, schedule, or patient information to the physicians for modification, rescheduling or cancellation. Insure appropriateness and safety of PET and CT exams.
Insure proper patient preparation, including inserting intravenous catheters for injection of radiopharmaceutical, contrast and medications including safe handling, calculation and administration of high energy PET radiopharmaceuticals. As needed, test glucose and creatinine levels and screen patients for contraindications for PET studies or contrast CT injections.
Interact professionally with patients and families. Provide liaison function between medical staff, patients and patient families and hospital staff.
Practice aseptic procedures to insure patient safety.
Assay PET radiopharmaceuticals prior to and after administration. Provide IV and oral contrast to patients insuring safe administration and explain effects and post-scan procedures to reduce or eliminate adverse effects on patients.
Understand and implement radiation safety procedures in the event of a PET radiopharmaceutical spill or misadministration. Monitor patients and implement procedures in the event of a CT contrast misadministration and/or CT contrast adverse reaction in patient.
Calibrate equipment and perform quality control tests on PET and CT scanners, dose calibrators, glucometer, ACT meters and other related equipment.
Assist with development of new PET/CT examinations; create written protocols and scanning parameters;
Troubleshoot all systems.
Participate in the development and review of guidelines for the use of high energy P.E.T. radiopharmaceuticals insuring standards of radiation safety;
Train others to perform PET/CT studies.
Perform the work of nuclear medicine technologists;
Perform related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Certified by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) OR registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Nuclear Medicine.
Must also be as a Certified Computed Tomography Technologist by ARRT (CT) or NMTCB.
AND
One year of experience in PET/CT
AND
Minimum two years of experience in Nuclear Medicine
OR
Equivalent education/experience.
Legal Requirement
Certification as a Radiologic Technologist – Nuclear Medicine in the State of Washington with CT registry by the ARRT or NMTCB per Washington State Department of Health Notice of Adoption of Interpretive Statement, effective July 1, 2010.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
07/14/2000: New Class
06/01/2005: CSR Class Conversion
05/11/2017: Revised Class: Adds CT duties to existing Nuclear Med PET Technologist job. Created to recognize work permitted and licensure requirement for Radiologic Technologist under RCW 18.84 and WAC 246-926-020. Negotiated with SEIU 925; approved 05/11/17, effective 02/16/17.