39372 - Nuclear Medicine Equipment

Learning outcomes

Students learn the fundamental principles of nuclear medicine equipment, including PET/CT, SPECT/CT, and gamma cameras. Acquisition protocols: static, dynamic, tomographic, and gated studies; types of modern gamma cameras: 1-, 2-, and 3-head systems; fixed and variable geometries; and image processing systems.

Course contents

1. Fundamentals of Instrumentation in Nuclear Medicine


Physical principles of detection, scintillation, photomultipliers, semiconductors, detector characteristics, image quality.


2. Gamma Cameras and SPECT/CT Systems


Gamma camera components, collimators, Anger electronics, planar and tomographic acquisitions, reconstruction, integrated CT, artifacts, and quality assurance.


3. PET/CT and PET/MR


PET physics, detectors (BGO, LSO, LYSO, SiPM), coincidence, TOF, digital PET, supporting CT, principles of PET/MR, quality assurance.


4. Emerging Technologies, QA, and the Role of the Radiological Technologist:


CZT systems, total-body PET, AI, radiation protection, quality assurance, troubleshooting, clinical cases, and discussion.

Readings/Bibliography

Christian PE, Waterstram-Rich K – Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Technology and Techniques

IAEA – Nuclear Medicine Physics: A Handbook for Teachers and Students

EANM and SNMMI guidelines on QC and clinical procedure

 

Students with learning disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities: It is recommended that you contact the relevant university office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) well in advance: The office will propose any necessary accommodations to the students concerned; however, these must be submitted for approval by the instructor at least 15 days in advance, and the instructor will evaluate their appropriateness, taking into account the course’s learning objectives.

Teaching methods

Slides, software for specific applications.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment takes place through a final oral exam, which evaluates the acquisition of the expected knowledge and skills.


The total duration of the exam is, on average, 30 minutes.


Final Grade Scale (taking both modules into account):


18–24: Knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course and the ability to conduct independent analysis only on purely practical issues; expression is not always rigorous;


25–29: Knowledge of the topics covered in the course, the ability to make independent critical analyses, and correct use of specific terminology;


30–30L: The student’s attainment of a critical understanding of the topics covered and demonstration of mastery of expression and scientific language will be evaluated with grades of excellence.

Teaching tools

PC, video, software and laboratory instruments

Office hours

See the website of Claudia Testa