RAIT 360 - Advanced Positron Emission Tomography

3 CR

Covers advanced topics in positron emission tomography (PET), emphasizing imaging studies in the areas of neurology, cardiology, and oncology. Also reviews PET tomograph operation and PET department operation. Both RAIT 359 and RAIT 360 are recommended as preparation for the PET board exam; RAIT 360 should not be taken until after starting PET clinical experience. This course is intended to meet the degree requirements of the Technology and Nuclear Medicine concentrations as well as the requirements of the Positron Emission Tomography certificate of the Radiation & Imaging Sciences program.

Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Radiation & Imaging Sciences BAS program, RAIT 301 with a B (3.0) or better, either certification as a nuclear medicine technologist or RAIT 359 with a B (3.0) or better, AND permission of the Program Chair.

Course Outcomes

Outline daily and infrequent quality control testing for PET scanners, and analyze resulting data with regard to scanner functionality.
Provide a basic explanation of CT, including the use of contrast media; discuss radiation dose and dose reduction techniques.
Discuss the standardized uptake value and its application to a variety of clinical situations.
Apply aspects of nuclear medicine physics and radiation safety to PET department operation, including measuring instruments and calculations.
Describe acquisition, processing and display of a variety of PET studies.
Identify sources of image artifacts.
Discuss clinical uses, results, and patient preparation for clinical PET imaging procedures, including those of the brain, heart, bone, and whole body.
Analyze PET case studies.
Delineate protocols for the use of interventional pharmaceuticals in PET studies.
Describe appropriate responses to emergency situations that can arise in the context of PET imaging.
Explain the advantages and issues brought about by combining PET and CT.
Discuss Medicare reimbursement issues as they pertain to PET studies, including the National Oncologic PET Registry.

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