Bone Density Technologist

1. Performs DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) including spine, hip, and forearm if needed according to clinical history.

2. Performs and maintains the Quality Control documentation as required by regulatory agencies.

3. Perform the assigned QC tests in a timely and accurate manner.

4. Maintains adequate inventory and supplies needed for bone density operation.

5. Must ensure the equipment is handled, properly maintained, and reports all malfunctions to the contracted service and ensures timely completion of any service repair.

6. Responsible for maintaining knowledge and training in :

* Daily quality control
* Patient positioning
* Scan Protocols
* Data Management
* Radiation Protection

7. Quality Control procedures include but are not limited to:

* Anthropomorphic spine phantom daily scans
* Maintain records of QC Date
* Diagnose/resolve potential problems
* Weekly archive of data base

8. Data management to maintain permanent patient records with correct entry of patient information. Proper retrieval and update of patient information prior to scanning.

9. Must complete the requisite course of instruction for operator certification including software and hardware operation, quality control, patient positioning, and radiation protection.

10. Completes all PACS and processing to ensure appropriate transfer of data.

* Ability to access patient directory, history timeline, images and user manual
* Ability to burn CDs
* Appropriate use of technologist work list, linking exams and exception resolution.

11. Assures that diagnostic radiographic/mammographic and stereotactic equipment/devices are operable, ensuring MSQA compliance by completing all necessary quality assurance checks, and maintaining accurate documentation.

12. Prepares exam rooms with necessary radiographic/mammographic and stereotactic equipment/devices and appropriate patient supplies.

13. Receives and reviews requisitions, and radiologists last dictated report, thoroughly determining the ordered radiological exams while assuring previous films are available to complete radiological interpretation. Provide any necessary requisition changes to secretarial staff for accurate billing or inform file clerk if previous films are unavailable for retrieval.

14. Consult with Radiologist, as needed for any clarification of ordered radiological exams based upon last dictated report or current history.

15. Provides patient with explanation of the radiologic exam to be performed and assure patient education (ie: welcome fact sheet) has been read and signed. Provide patient education on process for SCREENING mammograms results versus DIAGNOSTIC mammogram process and results.

16. Assure that required PATIENT HISTORY form is completed. Clarify any patient history to assure accuracy, with Mammographer and patient signing history sheet.

17. Refer patient to nurse practitioner if patient history identifies any NEW BREAST SYMPTOMS or if there has been no physical breast exam in the LAST year. Breast exam will be performed by NP/MD with instructions of imaging exams necessary for complete work-up.

18. Assumes care for physical and psychological needs of patients during examinations and procedures to ensure safety and comfort while preparing for and while undergoing radiographic/mammographic procedures.

19. Applies principles of radiographic protection using beam restriction devices, patient shielding skills, and knowledge of applicable exposure factors, to minimize radiation to patients and staff.

20. Performs diagnostic radiographic/mammographic/stereotactic procedures, safely operating equipment/devices specializing in the screening and diagnosing of breast abnormalities and breast cancer.

* Move radiologic equipment into specified position, with adjustment of controls to set exposure factors and process radiographs using appropriate safety precautions necessary to produce quality mammograms.
* Assure proper identification by accurate labeling of all films and views.
* Follow established policies/procedures set by the American College of Radiology and MSQA for breast imaging and procedures.

21. Coordinate work to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency using and or modifying established procedures, to ensure timely completion of work in conformance with Center policies and procedures.

* Evaluate mammogram films for technical quality.
* Maintain adequate radiology records and label all mammogram films to assure proper identification.

22. Maintain a thorough knowledge of Center policies and procedures as they pertain to the job, including the fire plan. Comply with Infection Control policies and procedures.

23. Participates in activities which promote professional self-growth and development; meeting minimum requirements for continuing education as directed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and Massachusetts State Licensing for Mammography.

24. Maintain an ethical relationship with patients, physicians, personnel and guests and ensure patient confidentiality at all times.

25. Consistently provides service excellence to all patients, family members, visitors, volunteers and co-workers.

26. Perform other work related duties as assigned or requested

* Ability to read, write and communicate in English.
* High school graduate or GED.
* Graduate of a JCERT Accredited Radiography Program.
* Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
* Advance level ARRT Bone Density Operator certification preferred.
* Current BLS.
* Must currently have and maintain active Massachusetts State license for Radiology and Mammography according to Federal and State agencies, and as defined by ACR's continuing experience and education standards for Mammography