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Emerging technology and practice: characteristics of PET-CT technologists
1American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, St. Paul, MN 55120, USA. sandra.neustel@arrt.org
Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
|April 7, 2007
Summary
PET-CT technologists primarily perform fusion scans, with limited CT-only procedures. Most CT-only tasks involve quality assurance, not clinical experience requirements.
Area of Science:
- Radiologic Technology
- Medical Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT scanners integrate functional (PET) and anatomical (CT) imaging.
- Technologists operating these advanced systems perform diverse imaging protocols.
- Understanding the scope of practice for PET-CT technologists is crucial for training and certification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the types and frequency of computed tomography (CT) scans performed by technologists on positron emission tomography (PET)/CT fusion scanners.
- To assess the extent to which PET-CT technologists fulfill CT-only clinical experience requirements.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to staff technologists.
- The sample included technologists in nuclear medicine technology (NMT), CT, and fusion disciplines.
- Data from 56 identified PET-CT technologists were analyzed regarding their scan performance and time allocation.
Main Results:
- PET-CT technologists spend a significant portion of their time (mean 54%) on PET-CT or NMT procedures.
- Only 18 out of 53 CT-only procedures required for ARRT certification could be fulfilled by respondents.
- More than 35% of PET-CT technologists met current CT clinical experience requirements, with most CT-only tasks being quality assurance.
Conclusions:
- PET-CT technologists predominantly operate fusion scanners for combined PET-CT imaging.
- Performance of CT-only scans by PET-CT technologists on fusion scanners is infrequent.
- PET-only scans are also rarely performed; CT-only tasks are mainly limited to quality assurance activities.
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