PET Technologist

Clinical Assistant 2, PET Technologist

The Clinical Assistant 2, PET Technologist executes and provides specialized technical support for all PET and PET / CT imaging projects and experiments in humans and pre-clinical subjects. Duties include: Correctly identify subject before any procedure begins and ensure informed consent has been obtained. Respond to and provide patient care when needed, including the insertion of venous access for radiopharmaceutical administration, when necessary. Ensure IV access remains patent for the duration of the study. Ensure that the correct dose of radioactivity and correct type of radiopharmaceutical is administered to study subjects; administer radiopharmaceuticals via appropriate route; properly dispose of any excess radioactive material post-subject administration; maintain accurate records of dispensation of radiopharmaceuticals. Collect and process blood samples obtained during procedure. Perform image reconstructions using appropriate settings; ensure this processing is performed in a timely manner. Ensure that images are properly entered into PET database. Perform data and image analysis using existing hardware and software systems; report analysis results to supervisor and/or other personnel. Perform daily calibration of PET cameras and ancillary [lab] equipment used for imaging, analysis of scan data, radiation detection and dose measurement. Perform phantom studies and analysis for QC and equipment testing. Monitor use of all PET imaging equipment, detect potential failures and trouble shoot or promptly notify appropriate personnel for repair. Provide information, data, and/or images to Pl, physicians, nurses, research assistants, etc. concerning testing techniques, procedures, and equipment operation. Follow proper radiation safety practices; ensure that PET and non-PET staff follow proper radiation safety practices while in the PET Center. Maintain QC and standards set by, but not limited to, regulatory agencies such as the NRC, FDA, RSC, RDRC, HIC, IACUC, etc. which provide guidelines as to the safe and appropriate use of radiopharmaceuticals and imaging equipment. Maintain general orderliness and cleanliness of the PET Center including the proper preparation and disposal of radioactive and biohazard waste. Maintain subject flow through the PET Center for maximum efficiency. Provide input and suggestions regarding study methods. Cross-train in other areas of the PET Center as needed. Order supplies, as needed, and keep supply levels at a point where studies do not suffer due to lack of materials. Other duties related to job function as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to perform PET and PET / CT imaging and related tasks including subject and equipment preparation.
• Demonstrated ability to review and follow study documentation and standard operating procedures to perform scans and other procedures correctly.
• Skilled in performing quality control (QC) procedures on imaging and ancillary equipment with ability to identify equipment malfunction during QC and imaging procedures. Ability to fix problems or notify the appropriate individual(s) for repair and maintain associated records.
• Skilled in administration of radioactive doses including ability to measure doses, adjust and appropriately dispose of excess. Ability to maintain accurate records of dispensation and administration.
• Ability to follow radiation safety guidelines (ALARA) to limit dose exposures to self and others.

Principal Responsibilities

• Performs specialized testing procedures appropriate to specialty in such areas as radiology, ophthalmology, and ultrasonography.
• Reviews patient's chart, patient's condition, and physician's notes to plan and determine method of testing. Positions patients.
• Sets up, operates, and maintains equipment to conduct tests and procedures appropriate to specialty.
• Provides information to patients concerning specific tests and procedures. Reads and interprets obtained images. Records test results. Identifies and reports abnormalities.
• Coordinates processing of slides and film. Instructs and acts as a source of information on testing techniques, procedures, and equipment operation.
• Schedules patient appointments and originates billing paperwork. Reviews and prepares financial paperwork related to clinical activities.
• Assists in research projects by analyzing and compiling patient information.
• Creates visual aids for lecture presentations and publications.
• Orders and maintains inventory of supplies.
• Performs additional functions related to clinical activities.

Required Education and Experience

Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree, or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.