Training activity information
Details
Perform a range of commissioning tests for a gamma camera, and report the results and the acceptability or otherwise of the performance
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Clinical use of equipment
- Local quality control procedures
- Safe working in a controlled area
- National/international guidance for equipment quality control
- Preparation, use and disposal of radioactive sources
- Appropriate PPE
- Use of associated phantoms and equipment
- Use of appropriate software
- Comparison with manufacturer’s specification
- Impact of faulty equipment on the patient
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the specific commissioning tests required for a gamma camera?
- What are the relevant national or local protocols and guidelines for these tests?
- What are the typical performance parameters and acceptable tolerances for a gamma camera?
- What are the principles of operation of a gamma camera that are relevant to its commissioning?
- What specific insights do you hope to gain regarding the practical aspects of performing gamma camera commissioning tests?
- How do you expect to improve your ability to interpret the results of these tests and determine their acceptability?
- Consider what you already know about gamma cameras and their quality control – how might this activity build upon that knowledge?
- Have you discussed the specifics of the gamma camera commissioning tests with your training officer to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is expected of you during this activity?
- What relevant documentation, such as equipment manuals and quality assurance procedures, must you review to contextualise your preparation and focus your attention before embarking on the tests?
- What potential challenges might you encounter during the testing process—such as equipment malfunctions or unexpected results—and how have you planned to handle or mitigate them?
- As you prepare for this activity, how would you describe your current confidence level?
In action
- Pay attention to the specific commissioning tests you are performing for the gamma camera.
- How are you approaching each individual test? Why are you following this particular procedure?
- What decisions are you making as you conduct the tests? For example, are you adjusting any parameters or repeating steps?
- What aspects of operating the test equipment and interpreting the initial data feel intuitive, and what requires more conscious effort and reference to protocols?
- How effective are your current actions in completing the required commissioning tests?
- Are you encountering any difficulties in obtaining the necessary data?
- What challenges are you facing during the performance of these tests? For instance, are there issues with the equipment, the software, or your understanding of the procedure?
- What can you learn about gamma camera performance and commissioning procedures as the activity unfolds?
- How does this activity connect to your existing knowledge of gamma camera principles and quality assurance?
- Are there alternative ways you could be performing a specific test if you are encountering problems?
- Do you need to seek support or guidance from your supervisor or colleagues at any point during the testing?
- Are you ensuring you are working within the established protocols and your scope of practice?
On action
- What were the key commissioning tests you performed on the gamma camera?
- What were the main results obtained for each test?
- What were your initial observations regarding the acceptability of the gamma camera’s performance based on these results?
- What specific skills or knowledge did you develop or improve related to gamma camera commissioning?
- Were there any unexpected challenges encountered during the testing? What did you learn from addressing these challenges?
- Were there any surprising results, either positive or negative? What insights did these provide?
- How did your actions during the commissioning process (your reflection-in-action) influence the outcomes or your understanding of the results?
- How does this experience relate to the routine quality control and overall quality assurance of nuclear medicine equipment?
- What areas for continued development in gamma camera commissioning have you identified?
- How can you apply the knowledge and skills gained from this activity to future quality control procedures or other training activities?
- What specific actions (‘next steps’) will you take to further understand gamma camera commissioning or address any areas of difficulty encountered?
- What support or resources might you need to further develop your skills in this area?
Beyond action
- Have your subsequent experiences with other imaging modalities or quality control procedures changed your understanding of the importance or specific aspects of these tests?
- Compare this experience with commissioning tests you may have either performed or observed on other equipment. What observable behaviours and practices have you assimilated into your own practice regarding the systematic approach to equipment testing and reporting?
- Revisit your reflections from this training activity as part of a review of this module. What key learning points regarding gamma camera performance and acceptance criteria stand out now? What actions will you take based on this re-evaluation?
- Engage in professional storytelling with peers or colleagues about your experiences with gamma camera commissioning. Has their perspective or experience highlighted aspects you hadn’t previously considered?
- How has the experience of understanding the intricacies of gamma camera performance informed your approach to routine quality control tests on this and other equipment?
- How have you applied the knowledge gained from gamma camera commissioning in subsequent tasks, such as analysing image artefacts or explaining image quality to service users? How has your understanding of acceptable performance developed since this initial experience?
- Consider how the learning from this training activity supports your preparedness for observed in-person assessments related to SPECT systems or image quality tests.
- Identify the transferable skills you developed through this training activity, such as meticulous testing procedures, data analysis, and report writing. How will these skills be applicable to new equipment or more complex quality assurance tasks in the future?
- Identify clear actions for the continued development of your understanding of gamma camera performance and commissioning principles. What further learning resources or experiences could you seek out?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Describe the quality assurance systems routinely used for nuclear medicine equipment. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Perform routine quality control on the complete range of nuclear medicine equipment. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Prepare radioactive sources for use in quality control. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Analyse the results of quality control testing. |