A Visual Guide to Ordering, Receipt and Opening of Radioactive Materials in the Nuclear Medicine Clinic

Introduction: The procedural guidelines around ordering, receiving, and opening radioactive materials used in nuclear medicine are important for technologists and nuclear medicine practitioners to know. These can be challenging to visualize for new learners and are not well represented in the educational literature. In this exhibit, we present a visual guide to these practices with the goal of enhancing learner understanding and increasing compliance with appropriate guidelines in the clinic.

Methods: Through photographic illustration, tables, and text we will guide the learner through: 1. Model procedures for ordering radioactive materials, 2. Guidelines for receiving radioactive materials and understanding Department of Transportation shipping labels, and 3. Protocols for opening packages containing radioactive materials.

Results: After reviewing this exhibit, learners will have a stronger understanding of the model practices and regulations surrounding the routine ordering and receiving of common radioactive materials used in nuclear medicine clinics.

Conclusions: Radiation safety is top priority amongst nuclear medicine technologists and practitioners, and can be a challenging topic for new learners of nuclear medicine. This exhibit provides a simplified visual guide to these topics with the goal of increasing understanding and awareness of radiation safety in nuclear medicine. This knowledge can promote safer practices for the benefit of technicians, practitioners, and patients.