DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING FOR PHARMACISTS

Patients undergoing diagnostic imaging studies often receive a variety of pharmaceutical agents as part of the imaging procedure. Traditionally, pharmacists have had limited opportunity to be involved with these agents, but this trend is changing. Today there is increasing interest in pharmacist involvement. With recent changes in regulatory oversight of medication management and heightened attention by accreditation bodies, pharmacists need a better understanding of the use of pharmacologic agents in this area of patient care. Diagnostic Imaging for Pharmacists will provide practicing pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and radiology department personnel with a basic understanding of the pharmaceuticals used as part of the imaging process. The book presents practical information, not covered in most pharmacy school curricula, on diagnostic imaging techniques and the proper use, indications, and routes of administration for each pharmacologic agent. KEY FEATURES: The 13 chapters, with 10 contributing authors, provide: An introduction to each of the following imaging modalities: x-ray, nuclear medicine and PET imaging, MRI, and ultrasound. Detailed information on the use of specific pharmaceuticals in each modality. Background information on the use of ionizing radiation in x-ray and nuclear medicine imaging. Regulations on the medical use of ionizing radiation. Discussion of the risk and concerns associated with the use of radiation in imaging studies. More than 50 figures, including actual images obtained with the various modalities, illustrating the concepts discussed.