What comes to mind when you think of nuclear technology? Energy? Bombs? Waste? It’s true that nuclear technology has very powerful and sometimes destructive applications, but it has other uses as well. Nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) use the nuclear properties of radioactive materials to diagnose diseases inside the human body. In fact, this is the one of the best ways to test for and diagnose illnesses like cancer, kidney failure, and heart disease.
To diagnose diseases, NMTs administer radiopharmaceuticals—chemicals formed by nuclear, or unstable, atoms—directly into the bodies of patients. This may sound dangerous, but the doses are so small they don’t harm the body. However, these tests do enable NMTs to take a look inside the patient. The work done by NMTs gives doctors the information they need to diagnose patients properly.
Before any tests are done, NMTs have to decide which radioactive material is right for the procedure. Different materials detect different things. NMTs must also calculate the proper dose and prepare the solution to be administered. These solutions are called “tracers.” Technologists discuss possible side effects of the procedure with the patients and answer any questions the patients might have.
Technologists usually administer the tracer by injecting it into the bloodstream, though some tracers are taken orally. Once the patient has received the tracer, the NMT traces its path through the body using special cameras and scanners. On the view screen, different colours indicate where the tracer has travelled, and what it has encountered. If necessary, the technologist can print out an image. These images help doctors diagnose the nature of the problem and decide on proper treatments.
Technologists keep records of each patient's prescribed medicine, visits, and progress. They also consult with physicians and update them on the patient’s condition.
In addition, NMTs look after their equipment and computers, making sure that everything is in working order.
NOC Code: 3215