Imaging Techniques: PET/CT is designed to provide imaging professionals and radiation technologists with a basic understanding of the components, theory, use, and benefits of PET/CT technology. It begins with a discussion of the theory and development of PET and CT scanners and the steps that led to merging the technologies to produce PET/CT. Other topics include a brief look at some of the PET/CT systems currently available; the image acquisition process, including whole body scans, heart and brain studies, radiation therapy planning; image formation and reconstruction, list mode theory, as well as acquisition and processing. The final module addresses quality control procedures necessary for maintaining and operating PET/CT equipment.

NOTE for Imaging: This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors; individuals may not repeat and report a self-learning activity for credit twice in the same biennium. You must be licensed in the state of Florida to report an activity that is only approved by the state. If this activity is also approved by an organization that ARRT has approved to evaluate CE, select that organization’s name, as opposed to the state licensing agency name.

1. Describe key points of Coincidence Theory for PET imaging.
2. Identify specific qualities of 2D and 3D imaging.
3. Recognize several methods of reconstruction and specific information regarding each.
4. Describe the key components of computed tomography including slip ring technology.
5. Describe the history and development of PET/CT and its clinical applications.
6. Identify clinically used PET scintillators and the criteria for PET crystals.
7. Describe acquisition protocols for whole body scans, heart and brain studies, and radiation therapy planning.    
8. Recognize the theory of list mode imaging and how dynamic-, cardiac-, and respiratory-gated studies are acquired and processed.
9. Identify critical steps, both process and purpose, for PET/CT equipment quality control.

Completion Requirements: To receive continuing education credit commensurate with the credit awarded for this on-line activity, the participant must:

• View all modules and cases studies.
• Participate and pass all Self-Checks and Post Test(s).
• Complete and submit the on-line evaluation.

Certificates of Completion: will be available to print immediately upon finishing the completion requirements. You are encouraged to print and save your certificate for your portfolio as required by your licensing body. Interdisciplinary accredited activities, activities having multiple accreditors, will be listed individually on the Certificate of Completion.

Non-Endorsement of Products: echelon®, as an accredited provider, has demonstrated proficient experience and viable resources to provide for valid and reliable evaluation of CE activities. The accuracy of the facts and opinions contained in this activity are the responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of echelon® or its sponsors. Practitioners should consult primary resources, state regulations, and their healthcare facility policies and procedures for specific application of said content to their local situation. echelon® does not imply that there is real or implied endorsement of any product, service, or company neither referred to in this activity nor of any company subsidizing costs related to this activity. All information contained in this activity is for educational purposes only.

Electronic Record Retention: All activity records are kept on file for a minimum of six (6) years.

Relevant Financial Relationships: echelon® also chooses full disclosure with each activity to report any relevant financial relationship affiliation or support in conjunction with the planning or development of any activity.

*There are no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies for those involved with the ability to control the content of this activity.