Study Guide

Objectives

The aim of the course is to understand the basics of nuclear medicine and radiation protection from the perspective of a biomedical laboratory scientist.

After completion of the course the student:
• knows the basic concepts of radioactivity
• knows the structure and operating principles of the equipment used in nuclear medicine procedures
• knows the principles of working safely in nuclear medicine procedures
• knows the indications of nuclear medicine methods
• knows the European Union legislation, national radiation legislation and directives given by authorities related to safe medical use of ionizing radiation related to nuclear medicine
• knows the principles of working in a Hot Laboratory (Clean Room)

Content

• Principles of working in nuclear medicine procedures
• Principles of nuclear medicine procedures and radionuclide therapy
• Principles of PET-CT procedures
• Radiation protection and radiation safety in nuclear medicine procedures
• The European Union legislation, national radiation legislation and directives given by authorities related to safe medical use of ionizing radiation
• Radiopharmacy and use of radiopharmaceuticals
• Working in a Hot Laboratory (Clean Room)

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student:
• is able to identify and name the basic physics required for safe medical use of radiation
• is able to identify and name the most important concepts related to nuclear medicine examinations and treatments
• is able to describe the structure and operating principle of equipment used in nuclear medicine
• is able to describe the principles of working safely in nuclear medicine
• is able to describe the European Union legislation, national radiation legislation and directives given by authorities related to nuclear medicine
• is able to name the methods by which patients can be examined and treated using radiopharmaceuticals
• is able to perform activity calculations related to the preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals
• is able to prepare radiopharmaceuticals in the learning environment
• is able to work safely in the learning environment

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student:
• is able to explain the basic physics required for safe medical use of radiation
• is able to explain the most important concepts related to nuclear medicine examinations and treatments
• is able to explain the structure and operating principle of equipment used in nuclear medicine
• is able to explain the principles of working safely in nuclear medicine
• is able to explain the content of the European Union legislation, national radiation legislation and directives given by authorities related to nuclear medicine
• is able to explain the methods by which patients can be examined and treated using radiopharmaceuticals
• is able to prepare radiopharmaceuticals in the learning environment
• is able to perform activity calculations related to the preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals and can apply his/her skills in different situations
• is able to work and apply theory in different learning situations

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student:
• can explain, with justification, the basic physics required for safe medical use of radiation
• can explain, with justification, the most important concepts related to nuclear medicine examinations and treatments
• can explain, with justification, the structure and operating principle of equipment used in nuclear medicine
• can explain, with justification, the principles of working safely in nuclear medicine
• knows the European Union legislation, national radiation legislation and directives given by authorities related to safe medical use of ionizing radiation well enough to explain, with justification, their contents to the patient, patients’ relatives and other staff, if necessary
• can explain extensively and with justification the methods by which patients can be examined and treated using radiopharmaceuticals
• is able to prepare radiopharmaceuticals in the learning environment
• is able to perform activity calculations related to the preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals and can apply his/her skills to different situations in a versatile way
• is able to work in the work shop learning environment and justify his/her actions with theory