MCCCD Official Course Competencies:

DMI281  2008 Fall – 2012 Fall

Nuclear Medicine PET I

1.

Discuss basic designs and principles that enable the construction of images using, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and/or Integrated PET/CT imaging systems and integrated PET/CT. (I)

2.

Describe the Quality Control necessary for PET and PET/CT. (I)

3.

Compare and contrast acquisition parameters of selected types of imaging including SPECT, PET, and planar imaging. (I)

4.

Give a step-by-step explanation of the back projection method of reconstruction, taking into consideration various correction parameters. (I)

5.

Describe iterative reconstruction. (I)

6.

Discuss the selection criteria related to the open frame and axial collimators used in positron imaging. (I)

7.

Describe the 511 keV collimators used on SPECT systems to acquire images using positron-emitting radionuclides. (I)

8.

Describe the components of PET, integrated PET/CT and Positron Coincidence Detection (PCD) systems. (I)

9.

List conditions or pathologies for which tomographic imaging procedures are advantageous over planar imaging. (I)

10.

State radiopharmaceutical requirements that must be satisfied in order to perform a PET, PCD, or PET/CT studies. (I)

11.

Discuss the activity limitations related to open frame and axial collimators. (I)

12.

Describe the factors the must be considered when selecting a filter. (I)

13.

Describe how annihilation allows for PET, PET/CT and PCD imaging. (I)

14.

Compare the sensitivity, resolution, and signal-to-noise ratio for the three methods of imaging with 511 keV photons. (I)

15.

List the studies that can be performed satisfactorily using each method of imaging. (I)

16.

Discuss the physical and chemical characteristics of positron emitters that make them appropriate for nuclear medicine procedures. (II)

17.

Describe the methods and radiation protection procedures necessary for preparing and administering positron emitters. (II)

18.

Describe the allowable dose ranges and calibration requirements according the NRC regulations. (III)

19.

Calculate specific dose concentration and volume for pediatric and adult patients. (III)

20.

Use decay formulas and decay factor tables to account for radioactive decay. (III)

21.

Discuss the different methods used to calculate pediatric dosages, the advantages and disadvantages of each method including the importance of utilizing minimum and maximum dose limits. (III)

MCCCD Official Course Outline:

DMI281  2008 Fall – 2012 Fall

Nuclear Medicine PET I

I. Positron Imaging Systems

A. Dedicated Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

1. Basic principles of operation

2. Sensitivity/deadtime

3. Spatial resolution

4. System configurations

5. Time of flight (TOF)

6. Annihilation coincidence detectors

7. Crystal characteristics

8. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)

9. Quantitation

10. Attenuation correction

11. Suitable studies

12. Quality Control for PET and PET/CT

B. Integrated PET/CT

1. Basic principles of operation

2. Sensitivity/deadtime

3. Spatial resolution

4. System configuration

5. Time of flight

6. Annihilation coincidence software

7. Crystal characteristics

8. Signal-to-noise ratio

9. Attenuation correction

10. Collimators

a. Open frame

b. Axial

11. Dose range limitations

12. Mode acquisition

13. AIterative reconstruction

14. Attenuation correction

15. Coincidence timing unit

16. Angle of acceptance

17. Rebinding of data

18. Crystal thickness

19. Limitations

20. Suitable studies

C. Positron imaging using gamma camera and high energy collimators Positron Coincidence Detection (PCD)

1. Basic priciples of operation

2. Sensitivity/deadtime

3. Spatial resolution

4. System configuration

a. Collimator design

b. Camera head adaptation

5. Signal-to-noise ratio

6. Limitations

7. Suitable studies

D. Positron Imaging Systems

1. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

2. Positron Coincidence Detection (PCD)

3. Integrated PET/CT

II. Preparing Positron-Emitters

A. Production

1. Generator systems

2. Cyclotron systems

B. Characteristics of positron emitters

1. Physical

2. Chemical

C. Biochemical characteristics

1. 11C

2. 15O

3. 13N

4. 18F

5. Rb-82

6. NaFBone Scanning with PET

7. Other

D. Synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals

E. Quality control of radiopharmaceuticals

F. Administration

1. Intravenous

2. Gaseous

III. Dose Determination

A. Dose range

1. Factors affecting dose determination

a. Organ or system size

b. Photon flux

c. Radiation dose

2. NRC acceptable ranges

3. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) calibration requirements

B. Calculation of dose to be administered

1. Specific concentration

2. Volume to be administered

3. Dilution of doses

4. Adjusting unit doses

5. Accounting for decay

a. Decay calculation

b. Decay factor tables