Description:

Examines the function and use of the nuclear medicine gamma camera. Topics include basic electronics, collimators, digital cameras, on-line correction systems, and modifications required for tomographic studies. Students learn quality control and troubleshooting. Also includes positron emission tomography. Prerequisite: Acceptance into program.

Details:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the program.

Outcomes:

After completing this class, students should be able to:

1. discuss how gamma cameras have changed since their invention, particularly as relates to determination of gamma ray position, image display, and uniformity correction. 2. define and discuss the impact on planar images of: third-dimension integration, background, noise, attenuation, scatter, and patient motion; define contrast and discuss how the above factors affect it. 3. discuss the manufacture, mathematics, and uses of various kinds of collimators, including the design characteristics that make them good for specific purposes. 4. discuss how planar images can be improved, from the standpoints of spatial resolution, noise, and imaging time, and the trade-offs that come with each option for improvement. 5. describe routine and non-routine quality control for gamma cameras and identify artifacts seen on planar images. 6. describe acquisition and display of SPECT images. 7. explain the reconstruction processes used in SPECT imaging and evaluate SPECT images for artifacts. 8. discuss the need for attenuation correction and methods by which it is implemented. 9. outline techniques used to improve SPECT images, in regard to both acquisition parameters and reconstruction choices. 10. explain the physics and concepts behind acquisition of PET imaging. 11. identify the required QC testing for SPECT and PET systems. 12. discuss ways that SPECT and PET images are quantitated, and the limitations of those methods. 13. briefly discuss the basic operation of a CT system and its application to nuclear medicine studies.