NMT110 Introductory Nuclear Medicine (16)

CSU Discipline Area: Medical Radiation Science (MEDRA)

Duration: Two sessions

Abstract:

This subject introduces students to the role and professional responsibilities of the Nuclear Medicine Scientist. It is designed to introduce concepts critical to the Nuclear Medicine Scientist, providing students with professional and career orientation. The subject provides students with a general foundation of understanding leading into first year clinical placements and subsequent detailed education in Nuclear Medicine Techniques.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2013.Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: NMT110

Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Enrolment restrictions:

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine) only

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

- Be able to understand and describe the fundamental principles associated with Nuclear Medicine techniques and be capable of simulated practice of examinations involving major body systems,
- Be capable of identifying the normal anatomical structures and relationships as demonstrated on scintiscans,
- Be able to analyse and critique any of these scintiscans in terms of image quality,
- Understand the concepts of quality assurance and radiation safety,
- Be capable of academic writing,
- Be able to undertake a review of the medical literature,
- Be able to communicate and interact effectively with patients and staff.
- Be aware of the principles applied to minimise a practitioner?s radiation dose when working in the Hot Lab and the concept of ALARA
- Be aware of the dangers associated with sharps handling
- Be aware of sources of biological hazard when performing Hot Lab tasks
- Have knowledge of sources of accidental radioactive contamination in the Hot lab and the preventative measures that should be taken

Clinical Component
This subject will provide the student with a 4 week programs of directly supervised clinical experience in appropriate Nuclear Medicine Centres.

Syllabus:

The subject will cover the following topics:

Module 1: Principles of imaging: - body habitus - body planes - equipment/aids - terminology - positioning principles - instrumentation overview - acquisition methods Module 2: Professional practice: - discipline history, role and position in the health care system - professionalism and professional practice - literature appreciation - academic writing, referencing - critical appraisal of literature and literature review - communication - interpersonal skills and conflict resolution - OH&S and risk management/assessment - Care of the Nuclear Medicine patient Module 3: Introduction to basic Nuclear Medicine techniques of the central nervous system, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, skeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular and genito-urinary systems: - anatomy/physiology - indications/contraindications - complications - patient preparation and care - routine radiation protection measures - equipment - positioning - selection and calculation of radiopharmaceuticals Module 4: The image forming process: - computers in Nuclear Medicine - acquisition techniques - processing of data - image critique - image interpretation - quality control Module 5: Radiopharmacy - Hot Lab design - Sharps handling - Exercises in decontamination and radioactive monitoring - Principles of ALARA in the Hot Lab Clinical Component This subject will provide the student with a 4 week programs of directly supervised clinical experience in appropriate Nuclear Medicine Centres.

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