| CODE | RAD3039 | ||||||
| TITLE | Medical Imaging Theory and Practice: An Introduction to Nuclear Medicine (NM) and Ultrasound (US) | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 2 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Radiography | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit introduces graduate radiographers coming from non-EU/EEA countries to theoretical principles and clinical applications of Nuclear Medicine (NM) and Ultrasound (US). The candidates will learn about the theoretical principles that underpin the use of NM examinations in clinical practice, including the fundamental principles of Positron Emission Tomography (PET). This will include details pertaining to the safe use of unsealed radiation sources in NM and PET, as well as how these contribute to the diagnosis of various diseases. Candidates will also be provided with an overview about the use of US for various clinical indications, including those relating to obstetrics and gynaecology. The study-unit is made up of a combination of lectures, tutorials and clinical placements under the supervision of a qualified radiographer, where students can observe practice and discuss issues related to devices, physical principles, safe use of devices and ancillary equipment and clinical applications in US, NM, and PET. Study-Unit Aims: - To explain the physical and chemical properties of common radionuclides used in NM and PET; - To describe the safe use of unsealed radionuclide sources. - To explain the principles underpinning the function of diagnostic US machines, NM and PET scanners; - To discuss the key considerations for the use of the NM, PET and US scanners and any ancillary equipment to ensure safe and effective patient care; - To evaluate essential clinical applications of US, NM and PET; - To describe the preparation of the patients for common US, NM and PET examinations. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Describe the physical and chemical characteristics of common radionuclides; - Explain the safe handling and disposal of unsealed sources; - Describe the key radiation protection considerations for patients undergoing NM and PET examinations; - Explain the use of US, NM and PET scanning with respect to their advantages and disadvantages when compared to other imaging modalities; - Describe the role of the radiographer in the overall care and safety of patients presenting for a NM, PET or an US scan. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Discuss the use of NM, PET and US as part of a diagnostic pathway for patients; - Explain the application of radiation safety concepts in NM and PET imaging; - Describe safety considerations when using ultrasound; - Describe relevant instructions for the adequate preparation of patients referred for an US, NM or a PET scan. - Explain essential information to be given to patients before, during and after common US, NM and PET examinations. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main text/s: - Gilmore D & Waterstram-Rich KM (2023) Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (9th ed), Independently published. - EANM Technologists’ Guides, EANM website – updated 2024. https://eanm.org/publications/other-publications/technologists-guide/ - Khalil M.M. (2021) Basic Sciences of Nuclear Medicine, Springer Cham, 2nd Edition. - Rumack, C. M., & Levine, D. (Eds.). (2023). Diagnostic Ultrasound: 2-Volume Set (6th ed.). Elsevier. Supplementary readings: - O'Malley JP, Ziessman HA & Thrall JH (2020) Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging: The Requisites (Requisites in Radiology), Elsevier. - Solnes LB & Ziessman HA (2019) Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging: Case Review Series (3rd ed.), Elsevier. - IAEA (2021) Nuclear Medicine Resources Manual 2020th Edition (IAEA Human Health Series), International Atomic Energy Agency. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Placement and Tutorial | ||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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