Nuclear medicine technologistsDiagnostic imaging embraces several procedures that aid in diagnosing ailments, the most familiar being the x ray. Another increasingly common diagnostic imaging method, called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), uses giant magnets and radio waves, rather than radiation, to create an image. Not all imaging technologies use ionizing radiation or radio waves, however: In nuclear medicine, radionuclides—unstable atoms that emit radiation spontaneously—are used to diagnose and treat disease. Radionuclides are purified and compounded to form radiopharmaceuticals. Nuclear medicine technologists administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients and then monitor the characteristics and functions of tissues or organs in which the drugs localize. Abnormal areas show higher- or lower-than-expected concentrations of radioactivity. Nuclear medicine technologists operate cameras that detect and map the radioactive drug in a patient�s body to create diagnostic images. After explaining test procedures to patients, technologists prepare a dosage of the radiopharmaceutical and administer it by mouth, injection, or other means. They position patients and start a gamma scintillation camera, or �scanner,� which creates images of the distribution of a radiopharmaceutical as it localizes in, and emits signals from, the patient�s body. The images are produced on a computer screen or on film for a physician to interpret. When preparing radiopharmaceuticals, technologists adhere to safety standards that keep the radiation dose to workers and patients as low as possible. Technologists keep patient records and record the amount and type of radionuclides received, used, and discarded. Radiologic technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, and cardiovascular technologists and technicians also operate diagnostic imaging equipment, but their equipment creates images by means of a different technology. (See the statements on these occupations elsewhere in the Handbook.) Nuclear medicine technologists also perform radioimmunoassay studies that assess the behavior of a radioactive substance inside the body. For example, technologists may add radioactive substances to blood or serum to determine levels of hormones or of therapeutic drugs in the body. Some nuclear medicine studies, such as cardiac function studies, are processed with the aid of a computer. Related news articles Woman of the Year Profile: Colleen J. Payne-Nabors, MCI Diagnostic ... - Sep 15, 2006 International News Service,A nuclear medicine technologist by profession, she decided to create a mobile nuclear medicine unit and to provide nuclear cardiac stress testing to those in ... New faculty - Sep 17, 2006 Oregon Institute of Technology,...upcoming school year. Templeton from Portland has a plethora of work experience as a lead nuclear medicine technologist. Svetla Stoilova ... More information on Nuclear medicine technologists from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Nuclear medicine technologists occupation Number of Nuclear medicine technologists in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Nuclear medicine technologists Working conditions for Nuclear medicine technologists Significant points for Nuclear medicine technologists Training requirements for Nuclear medicine technologists Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |