Administration of iodinated contrast media by nuclear medicine technologists: Awareness and training

Objectives The emergence of PET/CT and SPECT/CT equipment has created an increased need for nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) to be trained to administer iodinated contrast media (ICM). Inadequate training with ICM can lead to negative consequences in the clinical setting. The purpose of this study is to evaluate NMTs training in the administration of ICM and assess their awareness of the inclusion of ICM in the current scope of practice.

Methods NMTs from nine St. Louis metropolitan area hospitals were anonymously surveyed. The survey tool consisted of questions based on the technologist’s training in the administration of ICM. In addition, it surveyed the technologist’s awareness that the use of ICM is now within their scope of practice.

Results Forty-nine NMTs within eight hospitals were surveyed. Forty-four (90%) of the technologists work in departments that have PET/CT and/or SPECT/CT equipment. None of the technologists surveyed currently have CT certification, however, twenty-six (53%) are considering obtaining certification. Only twenty-six (53%) technologists thought the use of ICM was within their scope of practice. Excluding NMTs with prior radiologic training, only eight (16%) have administered ICM.

Conclusions 90% of the surveyed NMTs work with PET/CT and/or SPECT/CT equipment. Administration of ICM by NMTs is still relatively uncommon (16%). Up to half (47%) of the NMTs were unaware that administration of ICM is within their scope of practice. We conclude that in most surveyed sites, ICM administration by NMTs would warrant additional education and training