Missouri Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
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Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which radiation type is most commonly used in nuclear medicine
imaging?
A. Alpha particles
B. Beta particles
C. Gamma rays
D. Neutrons
Answer: C. Gamma rays
Rationale: Gamma rays penetrate tissues and are detectable by
gamma cameras, making them ideal for imaging.
2. The primary function of a gamma camera is to:
A. Produce X-rays
B. Detect emitted gamma photons
, C. Generate ultrasound waves
D. Measure electrical activity
Answer: B. Detect emitted gamma photons
Rationale: Gamma cameras detect radiation emitted from
radiopharmaceuticals inside the body.
3. Tc-99m is widely used because it has:
A. Long half-life and high energy
B. Short half-life and ideal gamma energy
C. Pure alpha emission
D. No radiation exposure
Answer: B. Short half-life and ideal gamma energy
Rationale: Tc-99m has a 6-hour half-life and emits 140 keV gamma
photons suitable for imaging.
4. The half-life of Technetium-99m is approximately:
A. 6 hours
B. 24 hours
C. 12 days
D. 1 hour
Answer: A. 6 hours
Rationale: Tc-99m decays quickly, reducing patient radiation dose.
5. The purpose of a collimator in a gamma camera is to:
A. Amplify signal
, B. Focus light
C. Direct gamma photons
D. Cool the detector
Answer: C. Direct gamma photons
Rationale: Collimators ensure only photons traveling in specific
directions reach the detector.
6. The most common route of radiopharmaceutical administration is:
A. Inhalation
B. Oral
C. Intravenous
D. Topical
Answer: C. Intravenous
Rationale: IV injection allows rapid distribution into bloodstream.
7. SPECT imaging stands for:
A. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
B. Simple Photon Emission CT
C. Standard Positron Emission Tomography
D. Single Particle Emission CT
Answer: A. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
Rationale: SPECT uses gamma-emitting isotopes to create 3D images.
8. PET imaging primarily detects:
A. Gamma rays
, B. Positrons
C. X-rays
D. Alpha particles
Answer: B. Positrons
Rationale: PET detects annihilation photons from positron-emitting
radionuclides.
9. The most common PET radiotracer is:
A. I-131
B. F-18 FDG
C. Tc-99m
D. Co-60
Answer: B. F-18 FDG
Rationale: Fluorodeoxyglucose highlights metabolic activity in
tissues.
10. Radiation safety principle ALARA means:
A. As Low As Reasonably Achievable
B. Always Limit Annual Radiation Activity
C. Absolute Level of Radiation Assessment
D. Active Limitation of Radioactivity Absorption
Answer: A. As Low As Reasonably Achievable
Rationale: ALARA minimizes radiation exposure to patients and staff.
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which radiation type is most commonly used in nuclear medicine
imaging?
A. Alpha particles
B. Beta particles
C. Gamma rays
D. Neutrons
Answer: C. Gamma rays
Rationale: Gamma rays penetrate tissues and are detectable by
gamma cameras, making them ideal for imaging.
2. The primary function of a gamma camera is to:
A. Produce X-rays
B. Detect emitted gamma photons
, C. Generate ultrasound waves
D. Measure electrical activity
Answer: B. Detect emitted gamma photons
Rationale: Gamma cameras detect radiation emitted from
radiopharmaceuticals inside the body.
3. Tc-99m is widely used because it has:
A. Long half-life and high energy
B. Short half-life and ideal gamma energy
C. Pure alpha emission
D. No radiation exposure
Answer: B. Short half-life and ideal gamma energy
Rationale: Tc-99m has a 6-hour half-life and emits 140 keV gamma
photons suitable for imaging.
4. The half-life of Technetium-99m is approximately:
A. 6 hours
B. 24 hours
C. 12 days
D. 1 hour
Answer: A. 6 hours
Rationale: Tc-99m decays quickly, reducing patient radiation dose.
5. The purpose of a collimator in a gamma camera is to:
A. Amplify signal
, B. Focus light
C. Direct gamma photons
D. Cool the detector
Answer: C. Direct gamma photons
Rationale: Collimators ensure only photons traveling in specific
directions reach the detector.
6. The most common route of radiopharmaceutical administration is:
A. Inhalation
B. Oral
C. Intravenous
D. Topical
Answer: C. Intravenous
Rationale: IV injection allows rapid distribution into bloodstream.
7. SPECT imaging stands for:
A. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
B. Simple Photon Emission CT
C. Standard Positron Emission Tomography
D. Single Particle Emission CT
Answer: A. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
Rationale: SPECT uses gamma-emitting isotopes to create 3D images.
8. PET imaging primarily detects:
A. Gamma rays
, B. Positrons
C. X-rays
D. Alpha particles
Answer: B. Positrons
Rationale: PET detects annihilation photons from positron-emitting
radionuclides.
9. The most common PET radiotracer is:
A. I-131
B. F-18 FDG
C. Tc-99m
D. Co-60
Answer: B. F-18 FDG
Rationale: Fluorodeoxyglucose highlights metabolic activity in
tissues.
10. Radiation safety principle ALARA means:
A. As Low As Reasonably Achievable
B. Always Limit Annual Radiation Activity
C. Absolute Level of Radiation Assessment
D. Active Limitation of Radioactivity Absorption
Answer: A. As Low As Reasonably Achievable
Rationale: ALARA minimizes radiation exposure to patients and staff.
