Course Overview
As a technologist, you are critical when performing cardiac imaging studies on patients. Through a series of presentations and questions, you will gain a better understanding of what quality means in the current healthcare environment and how to improve your own performance.
Target Audience
This webinar series is intended as CE for nuclear cardiology and nuclear medicine technologists.
Learning Objectives
After participating in this activity, learners should be able to achieve the following:
Module 1
Patient Experience during Covid-19 Pandemic
• Discuss how to improve the patient experience in nuclear cardiology lab.
• Learn what’s changed now with MPI protocols since the pandemic began
• Explain when, who & how to perform exercise MPI procedure
MPI Protocols for SPECT & PET
• Learn the basic MPI protocols for SPECT & PET
• Compare & highlight the differences between SPECT & PET MPI
Module 2
Dilemmas in MPI Procedures, Part 1
• Discuss protocol variations and solutions to maintain image quality when patient cannot raise arms for MPI procedure
• Learn how to acquire, process & display MPI in patients with dextrocardia
Dilemmas in MPI Procedures, Part 2
• Describe the impact of extravasation with pharmacological stress agents and/or MPI radiotracers
• Discuss the impact of caffeinated food or beverage prior to the pharmacological MPI procedure
• Learn about oral dipyridamole prior to regadenoson MPI procedure
Module 3
How to Optimize MPI Procedures
• Discuss how to deal with intense GI tracer activity on the SPECT images
• Review and understand the Imaging Guideline regarding delay time for imaging
How to Optimize MPI Protocol
• Discuss the contemporary cardiac SPECT imaging
• Review the benefits of stress 1st SPECT imaging protocol
• Learn how to use quantitative analysis to utilize stress 1st SPECT imaging protocol
Module 4
Reimbursement Issue with PET MPI
• Learn how to navigate the reimbursement process
• Understand the indications and limitations of coverage for PET MPI
• Discuss other considerations for cardiac PET (viability, sarcoid, infection, etc)
Introduction to the ImageGuide Registry
• Gain knowledge on ImageGuide Registry
• Learn the benefits to participating the ImageGuide Registry
• Review how to participate and report performance measures
Module 5
Non-MPI SPECT Imaging
• Review the basic indications of non-MPI SPECT imaging
• Understand the acquisition parameters for PYP, MIBG & ERNA
• Understand the processing parameters for PYP, MIBG & ERNA
Non-MPI PET Imaging
• Review the basic indications of non-MPI PET imaging
• Understand the FDG PET viability protocol • Understand the FDG PET sarcoid protocol
• Understand the FDG PET infection protocol
Module 6
New Solid-State Scanners
• Describe the benefits of new solid-state scanners for MPI
• Explain how to perform QCs on new solid-state scanners
• Understand the pitfalls and artifacts using the new solid-state scanners for MPI
Beyond Basic ECG Knowledge during Stress Testing
• Understand the normal vs abnormal ECG patterns
• Review the arrhythmias during exercise and/or pharmacological stress testing
• Understand the indications and contraindication for stress testing
Module 7
CT Certification for NMT
• Learn how to get CT certification
• Review the clinical experience and educational requirements
• Review the examination content specifications
How to perform Cardiac CT
• Review the types of cardiac CT exams in conjunction with MPI
• Understand how to properly gate for cardiac CT exams
• Understand how to prepare for the cardiac CT exams
Overall Goal
The overall goal of this CE webinar series activity is to increase the learners’ competence in the application of quality standards when performing nuclear cardiology studies.
Continuing Education Term of Approval
Release Date: December 31, 2021
Expiration Date: January 1, 2024
Medium and Software Requirements
Windows Requirements:
Operating system: Windows 10+
Browser: Chrome v90.0+, Firefox v84.0+, Edge v90.0+
Internet connection: DSL, cable modem, or other high-speed connection
Macintosh Requirements:
Operating system: Mac OS X 10.6.8+
Browser: Mozilla Firefox v84.0+, Safari 14+, Chrome v90.0+
Internet connection: DSL, cable modem, or other high-speed connection