Training activity information
Details
Perform a range of commissioning tests for a sample counter, 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 types of commissioning tests are typically performed on a sample counter?
- What are the standard operating procedures and quality assurance guidelines for sample counters?
- What performance criteria define an acceptable level of function for a sample counter?
- What are the fundamental principles of radiation detection that underpin the operation of a sample counter?
- What practical skills in conducting commissioning tests on a sample counter do you hope to develop?
- How will this activity enhance your ability to analyse the data from these tests and determine the counter’s suitability for use?
- Reflect on your existing knowledge of radiation measurement with sample counters – how will this activity expand your understanding?
- Have you discussed the training activity with your training officer to gain a clarity of understanding regarding the specific commissioning tests you are expected to perform?
- What essential information from the sample counter’s manual and local protocols must you review to ensure you have the necessary knowledge before embarking on the activity?
- What possible challenges or technical issues do you anticipate you might face during the commissioning process, and how have you planned to handle or mitigate them?
- Thinking about what you already know and your prior experience with sample counters, how is this influencing your current perspective regarding this activity?
In action
- Pay attention to the specific commissioning tests you are carrying out on the sample counter.
- What steps are involved in each test, and why are you performing them in this sequence?
- What real-time decisions are you making concerning the setup, execution, and initial assessment of the test data?
- What elements of using the sample counter and interpreting the early results come naturally, and what requires more deliberate attention and reference materials?
- How successful are your current methods in achieving the objectives of the commissioning tests for the sample counter?
- Are you getting the expected data? What obstacles are you encountering while performing these tests?
- Are there any issues with the sample counter, the software interface, or the test procedures?
- What insights are you gaining about the functionality and commissioning of a sample counter as you proceed?
- How does this activity relate to your previous understanding of radiation detection and measurement principles?
- If you face difficulties with a particular test, are you considering alternative approaches or troubleshooting steps?
- Do you need to ask for assistance or clarification from your training officer or other experienced staff during the process?
- Are you adhering to the relevant guidelines and ensuring your actions are within your competency level?
On action
- What commissioning tests did you perform on the sample counter?
- What were the key results of these tests?
- What was your assessment of the sample counter’s performance based on the test results?
- What new skills or knowledge did you gain concerning sample counter commissioning?
- Did you face any unforeseen difficulties during the tests? What did you learn from overcoming them?
- Were there any unexpected findings? What did these tell you about sample counter performance?
- How did your in-the-moment decisions during the commissioning influence the results or your interpretation?
- How does this activity connect to the broader context of quality assurance for non-imaging equipment?
- What areas of sample counter commissioning do you need to develop further?
- How can you utilise the learning from this activity in future equipment evaluations or training?
- What specific steps will you take to consolidate your understanding of sample counter commissioning?
- What resources or support would be beneficial for your continued learning in this area?
Beyond action
- Reflect on your experience with sample counter commissioning tests. How does your understanding now compare with your initial thoughts? Have subsequent experiences with other non-imaging equipment provided new insights?
- Compare the challenges and learning points from this training activity with those from the gamma camera commissioning. What common principles or different considerations apply to commissioning different types of nuclear medicine equipment?
- Review your initial reflections on this training activity. What learning about the operational characteristics and acceptance of sample counters remains relevant, and what new perspectives have emerged through your ongoing training?
- Discuss your experiences with sample counter commissioning with colleagues. Did their experiences or insights offer a different perspective on the process or its significance?
- Consider how the detailed approach required for sample counter commissioning has influenced your rigor in performing routine quality control tests on non-imaging equipment or preparing radioactive sources.
- How has the knowledge gained from this training activity contributed to your ability to appraise the parameters used for quality control or analyse quality control testing results?
- Think about how your understanding of sample counter performance, developed through this training activity, might inform your approach to case-based discussions related to non-imaging studies.
- Identify transferable skills such as attention to detail, understanding of basic electronic principles, and interpreting technical specifications. How might these skills be valuable when working with new or unfamiliar laboratory equipment in the future?
- Determine specific steps for continued learning about sample counter technology and its role in nuclear medicine. Are there specific areas you would like to explore further?
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. |