Gamma camera and SPECT quality control (QC) - An online database program designed to improve the quality of QC tests performed by technologists

Learning Objectives 1. Become familiar with QC tests specified by nuclear medicine (NM) accreditation programs. 2. Be able to evaluate test results to ensure performance specifications are maintained. 3. Understand the utility of a database program designed to log and track test results displayed along with performance specifications.

A gamma camera QC program has many routine tests, assessing gamma camera uniformity, spatial resolution and linearity, and SPECT uniformity and spatial resolution. Evaluation of test results is a critical step that is often skipped, mainly because performance criteria are not readily available. This exhibit discusses the purposes of QC tests prescribed by NM accreditation programs and explains expected results. An online database program was developed to store test results, but also aids in performance evaluation. Functions to identify cameras, QC tests and frequencies, and test specifications are available. Current test results are displayed on a single screen so the technologist can comprehensively determine what test needs to be performed. Highlighted test dates and results designate out-of-compliance status. Links to QC procedure manuals are displayed to provide assistance. Test data are entered as text into selected input forms. Some results are selected from pull-down lists corresponding to a specific phantom that was used. The results may be a bar or sphere size, or an artifact noting non-linearities in a bar phantom, or rings in a SPECT phantom study. Results are highlighted if they are outside of specifications. As a result, technologists should have a greater appreciation for QC testing when they more fully understand the results. Test failures, which are sometimes overlooked, are more likely to be timely reported. Integrating results into an online database has the added advantage that supervisors may systematically review and track test results to ensure proper camera performance and those tests are completed timely