Framework for Using IV Contrast in Nuclear Medicine
The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills relating to the safe and competent use of Intravenous Contrast in the context of a modern Nuclear Medicine environment.
Next Course Date: 17th January 2025
This is a graduate level course; FHEQ level 6 or SCQ levels 9 or 10 on the FQHEIS. The time commitment for this course is around 20 hours, including pre-course preparation, a half day online training session, with lectures made available for post course study. Examination via a Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) paper will be provided one month from the course to test knowledge and understanding.
A standardised training log of experience is provided in the post-course materials, and it is recommended that an appropriate preceptor is identified by the nominating training centre to deliver and oversee the initial safe practice of the student.
Course pre-requisites
This course is aimed at those working as a Clinical Technologist in Nuclear Medicine. Students must either:
- be training via the IPEM Diploma in Technology (Nuclear Medicine), OR
- already registered via an appropriate Professional Standards Authority (PSA) register e.g., the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT) or Academy of Healthcare Science (AHCS) register, OR
- already working in an appropriate Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered profession e.g., a Radiographer or Clinical Scientist.
Students must hold certification in intravenous cannulation and, as a minimum, have up to date United Kingdom Resuscitation Council (UKRC) Basic Life Support (BLS) training (UKRC recommends updating annually) and certificates must be submitted when booking.
Pre-course preparation
- Students must take time to read UKRC Emergency treatment of anaphylactic reactions – Guidelines for healthcare providers.
- Students should familiarise themselves with the NHS Early Warning Score and patient assessment via trusted resources e.g., NHS England’s e-lfh.org.uk hub, or NHS Scotland’s Turas platform.
Online training session
An online training session with presentations and discussion covering:
- The medical legal framework for IV contrast use by Clinical Technologists
- The recognition and response to anaphylaxis
- The principles and safety issues of IV contrast media
- Systems of work in PET/CT
- Systems of work in SPECT/CT
Post training session
Pre-recorded presentations will be made available to students via IPEM Communities of Interest following the training session. An examination via a Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) paper will be used to test knowledge, understanding and appropriate application / analysis as it relates to the safe use of IV contrast in NM one month from the course. The pass mark is set at 75% as underpinning knowledge and understanding is essential to safe practice. A standardised preceptor record of initial student experience will be provided to log practical competence. Sample competency / sign-off sheets will be provided to inform the creation of local systems of work and training records. Finally nominating centres may consider consulting with their local Resuscitation Officers regarding students suitability for UKRC Immediate Life Support course as its contents cover the recognition and assessment of a deteriorating patient and treatment of anaphylaxis.