Taking the Pain Out of Understanding Radiation

The British Columbia Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (BCAMRT) would like to help provide information and insight to any media outlet looking for facts on medical radiation technology. The BCAMRT has a wealth of sources available to media in the four major areas of medical radiation technology areas (Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Understanding the tight timelines and pressures journalists face on a daily basis, the BCAMRT has contact names and a short outline on each of the radiation technologies, in an effort to help journalists save time putting together articles and news pieces. Should the media need further information, the BCAMRT would be happy to help in any way possible.

The BCAMRT is a volunteer organization that represents some 2000 members in British Columbia. It is the voice of BC’s medical radiation technologists, communicating with the media, government, general public, educational institutions, other health care professions, and within the health care industry, on a host of issues. Along with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT), it also manages the standards of training, certification and Code of Ethics for medical radiation technologists in BC.

Media Contacts:

BCAMRT President - Louise Kallhood

BCAMRT Vice-President - Lori Rowe

BCAMRT Executive Director - Darlene Hyde

BCAMRT Office
1-800-990-7090

Disciplines

The Medical Radiation Technologist is a paramedical professional educated in a specialized field of Radiological Technology, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy or Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The field is a science combining advanced technology and human compassion. As a critical part of the medical team, medical radiation technologists use their knowledge of radiation physics, human anatomy and physiology, and patient care to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

All four areas of medical radiation technology require individuals with excellent interpersonal skills; a caring nature and interest in the well-being of others; computer and technical competence; strong problem-solving skills; strong sense of responsibility and ability to function as part of a team.

Medical Radiography

Medical Radiography describes a broad variety of imaging procedures used as an aid in making medical diagnoses. These include:

• Plain film radiological technology: x-rays of the chest, bones, joints, gastrointestinal studies, spine
• Mammography: to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages
• Angiography: to examine the heart, blood vessels and blood flow
• Fluoroscopy: real-time images that show movement
• Computerized tomography (CT scans): detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

At a physician’s request, the technologist produces images of a body part or system using equipment that emits x-rays. The radiologist – a physician who specializes in interpreting x-rays – studies the images and dispenses advice that helps the treating physician make a diagnosis and prescribe an appropriate course of treatment for the patient. Under the direction of a medical specialist, the technologist is responsible for a variety of procedures and protocols:

• Working directly with and caring for the patient during the imaging procedure
• Ensuring radiation dose is kept as low as reasonably achievable
• Following protocol to achieve diagnostic examinations
• Ensuring proper performance of equipment
• Critiquing the image.

This area of medical radiation technology has a broad scope of post-graduate sub-specialties through training in such areas as CT scanning, mammography and interventional angiography.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine involves the use of radioactive materials to visualize organ function for the purpose of diagnosing disease and for therapeutic treatment of certain diseases.

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is the individual who performs the imaging procedures as a specialized member of the health care team. Some of the main uses of this area of medical imaging include:

• The evaluation of coronary disease
• Studying how the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs are functioning
• Determining the location of tumours
• Monitoring the progression of cancer and the results of cancer treatments
• Treatment of certain diseases

Nuclear medicine involves the use of radioactive drugs called tracers that concentrate in specific organs when introduced into the patient’s bloodstream. Given in small amounts, usually by injection, the tracers expose patients to a very low level of radiation for a short time.

As the tracer emits radiation, a special detector called a gamma camera collects data. A computer processes the data and produces images of the organ from different angles. Cross-sectional images can be obtained if required. The images generally appear on a computer monitor or as a photograph or computer print out.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy is a clinical specialty which uses radiation for the treatment of disease, primarily cancer. More than half of all patients with cancer receive radiation treatments, which may be given in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as surgery and chemotherapy.

Radiation therapists, in partnership with radiation oncologists and physicists, plan and administer treatments using focused beams of radiation to destroy tumours, while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Alternatively, treatment may involve placing temporary or permanent radioactive sources directly into the patient's body. Radiation therapists are important members of a multidisciplinary team providing technical expertise and compassionate patient care for people with cancer.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI technology is the newest discipline within the profession. Training in this specialty is post-graduate, i.e., the technologist must have successfully completed the Medical Radiography, Nuclear Medicine or Radiation Therapy programs and had a minimum of two years of current clinical experience. Magnetic resonance uses magnetism, radio waves and computers to acquire medical images. It is primarily used for:

• Studying the cardiovascular system
• Detecting tumours (especially in the brain and spinal column)
• Studying body chemistry and functions
• Imaging soft tissues (such as muscles, tendons or arteries).

The unique nature of this technology combines special imaging, patient care and safety requirements. For example, patients with pacemakers or other metallic implants cannot undergo magnetic resonance because of the potential for damage to such devices.