Nuclear Cardiology Knowledge Self-Assessment Program (NCKSAP): Radiation Safety, 3rd Edition

Nuclear Cardiology Knowledge Self-Assessment Program (NCKSAP): Radiation Safety, 3rd Edition is organized by American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC).

Release Date: October 26, 2022
Expiration Date: October 25, 2025

Course Overview:
This is a self-assessment CME activity in online format consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions. Each question includes an answer rationale and references for further studying. This module will be updated every 3 years. It is designed for practitioners who are performing nuclear imaging studies and want to increase their competence for certification, recertification or general practice improvement.

Learner Objectives:
Upon completion of this module, learner will be able to: 

• Recognize the NRC requirements for radiation safety
• Describe how to maintain radiation measuring equipment 
• Review radiation exposure levels for patients and occupational workers
• Discuss radiation emergency scenarios and appropriate response

Overall Goal:
The overall goal of this activity is to provide a comprehensive review of radiation safety to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure to patients.

Statement of Need:
Radiation exposure for patients and imaging professionals is a prominent safety issue of national concern. Most American laboratories are doing MPI imaging studies in ways that expose patients to substantial radiation. Only about 14% of US facilities met the quality benchmark of exposing patients to a median of no more than 9 mSv for the procedure as recommended by clinical guidelines compared to 32.6% of facilities in other countries.