Abnormal areas show higher or lower concentrations of radioactivity than normal. Nuclear medicine technologists operate gamma scintillation cameras that detect and amp the radioactive drug in the patient's body to create an image. Radiologic technologists also operate diagnostic imaging equipment, but their equipment creates an image by projecting an x-ray through the patient. Nuclear medicine technologists explain test procedures to patients. They prepare a dosage of the radiopharmaceutical and administer it by injection or other means.
Technologists then produce the images for a physician to interpret.
Technologists adhere to safety standards to keep radiation doses to workers and patients as low as possible. Related Occupations Nuclear medicine technologists operate sophisticated equipment to help physicians and other health practitioners diagnose and treat patients. Radiologic technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiovascular technologists, health physicists, electroneurodiagnostic technologists, clinical laboratory technologists, radiopharmacists, perfusionists and respiratory therapists are related healthcare professions. Job prospects should be best for persons trained in multiple disciplines. Almost nine out of 10 jobs are in hospitals.