EANM Basic Technologist Learning Course on PET/CT Course Aims ...

<strong>EANM</strong> <strong>Basic</strong> <strong>Technologist</strong> <strong>Learning</strong> <strong>Course</strong> on PET/CT
<strong>Course</strong> Aims
• To engender a basic knowledge of the physics and chemistry related to daily working
practice of PET/CT
• To develop an understanding of how common PET-CT procedures are undertaken,
including
• specific PET-CT acquisition protocols
• patient preparation and patient positioning
• radiopharmaceutical dose, administration, uptake
• To develop an understanding of how commonly used PET tracers are produced (eg
basic principles of operation of a cyclotron)
• To develop a practical understanding of the radiation protection issues and how
measures can be taken to minimize radiation dose to staff, patients and the general
public
Objectives
With particular regard to the role of the PET-CT technologist, by the end of this short course
participants will be able to:
Saturday: Technical part
08:30 – 08:35 Welcome – Introduction of participants and instructors
08:35 – 08:50 Lecture 1 (introduction)
1. Explain the roles and functions of the <strong>EANM</strong> TC and also aspects of the <strong>EANM</strong> as a
whole
2. State, in outline, the intended outcomes of this PET-CT course and the expected
content that should be addressed
08:50 – 09:10 Lecture 2 (basics on cyclotron principles)
1. State the basic physical principles of how elements are made radioactive within a
cyclotron
2. State the basic principles of operation of a cyclotron
09:10 – 09:30 Lecture 3 (production of commonly used PET tracers)
1. Explain, in detail, how one commonly used PET radioisotope is created within a
cyclotron; state its physical characteristics too
2. State other common examples of PET radioisotopes that can be produced within a
cyclotron and state their physical characteristics
3. Explain, with the aid of diagrams, how 2-Deoxyglucose localises within a normal and
diseased cell
09:30 – 09:50 Lecture 4 (radiopharmacy and related quality control)
1. Explain the basic principles of radiopharmaceutical manufacturing
2. State the common quality tests that could be run on radiopharmaceuticals; outline the
consequences of poorly quality controlled radiopharmaceuticals
<strong>EANM</strong> Educational Facility
Hollandstrasse 14 / Mezzanine, 1020 Vienna, Austria
Tel: +43-(0)1-212 80 30, Fax: +43-(0)1-212 80 30-9
E-mail: info@eanm.org, URL: www.eanm.org
Austrian Data Protection Act: Registration no. 1068431 Austrian Register of Associations: no. 063483520

09:50 – 10:05 Coffee Break
10:05 – 11:35 Lecture 5 (physical principles of PET)
1. State the mechanism by which positron emitters decay and in relation to this provide
a basic outline of PET scanner construction and operation
2. State the differences in construction and design between a PET scanner and a
gamma camera
3. With the aid of diagrams illustrate how PET image data can be acquired and also
reconstructed (2 and 3D); to also include basic principles of resolution
4. Explain the following terms, in relation to PET imaging instrumentation:
a. Resolution
b. Noise
c. SUV
d. Quality control
e. Attenuation correction
f. Scatter correction
11:35 – 12:35 Lecture 6 (Physical principles of CT)
1. State the mechanisms of operation of a CT scanner suitable for use within a PET-CT
unit; including production of x-radiation generally and more specifically the generation
and use of x-radiation within a CT unit
2. State the parameters that can be controlled during CT scanner operation to enhance
image quality; in relation to this explain how radiation dose to the patient can be
optimized (minimized) through the appropriate use of CT acquisition parameters
3. State, in outline, how a CT scan is performed and explain the following terms
a. Windowing
b. Pitch
c. CT (Hounsfield) number
4. State common contemporary applications of CT
12:35 – 13:20 Lunch
13:20 – 14:20 Lecture 7 (radiation protection)
With a particular emphasis on practical measures:
1. With regard to the protection of PET-CT staff, outline the radiation dangers that exist
and also how these dangers can be minimised
2. With regard to PET-CT patients, outline the radiation dangers that exist and also how
these dangers can be minimised
14:30 – 17:30 Practical part: Visit of NM Department at AKH Wien
19:30 Dinner: Meeting Point will be at 19:00 in the lobby of the hotel
City Central
<strong>EANM</strong> Educational Facility
Hollandstrasse 14 / Mezzanine, 1020 Vienna, Austria
Tel: +43-(0)1-212 80 30, Fax: +43-(0)1-212 80 30-9
E-mail: info@eanm.org, URL: www.eanm.org
Austrian Data Protection Act: Registration no. 1068431 Austrian Register of Associations: no. 063483520

Sunday: Clinical part
09:00 – 10:15 Lecture 8 (Principles of PET-CT imaging)
1. Provide basic rationales as to why PET-CT has particular values within clinical
imaging
2. State common pathologies that can be investigated by PET-CT
3. Discuss the principles of Image registration for a dedicated PET-CT system
4. Illustrate the values and limitations of PET-CT and give some examples of pitfalls
5. State examples of artefacts that can be created and how these can be overcome
6. Explain the use of IV contrast media and discuss the contraindications
10:15 – 10:30 Coffee Break
10:30 – 11:35 Lecture 9 (Patient Preparation and Protocols of 18FDG Whole
body, Cardiac and Brain PET-CT)
1. Outline the mechanism of 18FDG uptake
2. State the clinical indications of 18FDG PET-CT
3. Explain, in outline, how the common PET-CT procedures can be conducted, from
patient preparation through to patient discharge.
4. Explain the process of processing of the acquired data
11:35 – 12:05 Lecture 10 (Application of other PET-CT tracers)
1. State the common PET radiopharmaceuticals that can be used in brain and cardiac
imaging; outline their mechanisms of uptake
2. For brain and cardiac, state the clinical conditions that can be imaged using PET-CT
technology
3. Explain in outline the mechanisms of uptake and indication of a set of “new “ PET
tracers like DOPA, F-MISO,FLT,F and Ga
12:05 – 12:35 Case studies (Plenary)
12:35 – 13:20 Lunch Break
13:20 – 15:15 Practical part: Presentation of handling computer workstations,
processing viewing, case studies in small groups
15:15 -15:45 Coffee break and evaluation of the course
<strong>EANM</strong> Educational Facility
Hollandstrasse 14 / Mezzanine, 1020 Vienna, Austria
Tel: +43-(0)1-212 80 30, Fax: +43-(0)1-212 80 30-9
E-mail: info@eanm.org, URL: www.eanm.org
Austrian Data Protection Act: Registration no. 1068431 Austrian Register of Associations: no. 063483520