Radiology is a subset of the medical field that deals with imaging. Radiologists take X-rays and PET scans and MRIs, among other tests, to help doctors and patients to see what is going on inside a patient's body. Radiologists may also use technologies such as radiation to treat diseases, such as cancer. Within the field of radiology, there are many medical professionals, including radiology inventory specialists, who have a specific role to fulfill.
Tracking Inventory
The primary function of a radiology inventory specialist is to keep track of the inventory that is readily available for use. The inventory specialist takes count of the supplies currently on hand and either orders more or informs another department that more supplies are needed. The inventory specialist is also in charge of distributing these supplies when needed to the radiology department and other departments of the medical center that may need them. The supplies may include everything from X-ray films to barium sulfate -- the milky substance patients need to drink before having certain imaging tests done.
Recordkeeping
The radiology inventory specialist is also responsible for performing a great deal of recordkeeping. This includes recordkeeping both on paper and a computer system to help keep track of inventory. This recordkeeping helps keep track of where supplies have been distributed, how much was distributed, what supplies need to be replenished and so on. Without accurate recordkeeping, there could be a shortage of supplies when needed, causing delays in providing needed medical care for patients. Or there could be an overabundance of supplies that could go bad or expire before they are used, creating waste.
Restocking
Inventory specialists also must replenish their inventory with supplies. This means having the ability to restock supplies where they are needed, both in the radiology department of the medical center and throughout other areas of the medical facility. Radiology inventory specialists must have knowledge of where specific items are kept and of the differences between various tools used in procedures performed by radiologists, such as catheters for intervention radiology.
Identifying Opportunities and Solutions
Another primary function of the inventory specialist is to identify opportunities to streamline inventory management and to identify opportunities to enhance the timely restocking of the medical facility they work in. For instance, the inventory specialist may evaluate new systems of tracking the use of equipment in order to make sure that new products are ordered shortly before they are depleted. The specialist may also define new methods of storing products for easier accessibility and to more easily find the products needed. This helps to improve the functionality of the medical facility, especially in the case of a medical emergency.
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