nuclear medicine technologist

nuclear medicine technologist,

an allied health professional who uses radioactive and stable nuclides to make diagnostic evaluations of the anatomic or physiologic conditions of the body and who provides therapy with unsealed radioactive sources. Responsibilities include application of a special knowledge of radiation physics and safety regulations to limit radiation exposure; preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals; use of radiation detection devices and other kinds of laboratory equipment that measure the quantity and distribution of radionuclides deposited in a patient specimen; and performance of in vivo and in vitro diagnostic procedures.

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nuclear [noo´kle-ar]

pertaining to a nucleus.

nuclear magnetic resonance a phenomenon exhibited by many atomic nuclei: when placed in a constant magnetic field, the nuclei absorb electromagnetic radiation at a few characteristic frequencies. By applying an external magnetic field to a solution in a constant radio frequency field, it is possible to determine the structure of an unknown compound. An application of this technique, called magnetic resonance imaging, permits imaging of soft tissues of the body by distinguishing between hydrogen atoms in different environments.

nuclear medicine technologist a health care professional whose duties include positioning and attending to patients undergoing nuclear medicine procedures, operating imaging devices (scintillation cameras and rectilinear scanners) under the direction of the nuclear medicine physician, preparing radiopharmaceuticals for administration to patients, making dose calculations for in vivo procedures, performing quality control procedures, and utilizing a knowledge of radiation physics and radiation safety to minimize the radiation exposure to patients, to the technologist and coworkers, and to the public. There are currently three organizations that certify nuclear medicine technologists: the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). Individuals certified by the ARRT are designated RT(N)(ARRT); those certified by the ASCP are designated NM(ASCP); and those certified by the NMTCB are designated CNMT.

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nuclear

pertaining to a nucleus.

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nuclear bag fibers

fibers found in neuromuscular spindles; have an extensive nerve supply.

nuclear chain fibers

fibers, which like nuclear bag fibers, are found in neuromuscular spindles; shorter but more numerous than the bag variety.

nuclear ground substance, nuclear matrix

the matrix substance in a nucleus, surrounded by the limiting membrane.

nuclear imaging

see scintigraphy.

nuclear index

see schilling count.

nuclear medicine technologist

see radiological technologist.

nuclear sap

soluble phase of the nuclear matrix.

nuclear veterinary medicine

see nuclear veterinary medicine.