Training activity information
Details
Perform a range of commissioning tests for a gamma probe system for use in sentinel node biopsy, 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
- National /international guidance for equipment quality control
- Preparation, use and disposal of radioactive sources
- Appropriate PPE
- Use of associated phantoms and equipment
- Comparison with specification
- Impact of faulty equipment on 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 probe system used in sentinel node biopsy?
- What are the relevant guidelines and standards for the performance of such systems?
- What are the critical performance parameters that need to be evaluated during commissioning?
- How does the application of a gamma probe in sentinel node biopsy influence the commissioning requirements?
- What practical skills in performing commissioning tests on a gamma probe system will you gain?
- How will this experience improve your ability to evaluate the system’s performance and its suitability for clinical use?
- Reflect on your understanding of sentinel node biopsy procedures – how does the performance of the gamma probe system relate to these procedures?
- Have you discussed the specific commissioning procedures with your training officer to gain clarity of understanding regarding what is expected of you during this activity?
- What manufacturer’s documentation and relevant clinical protocols must you review to focus your attention and contextualise your preparation before embarking on the tests?
- What potential challenges unique to commissioning a gamma probe (such as specific application requirements for sentinel node biopsy) do you anticipate, and how have you planned to handle or mitigate them?
- How does your current familiarity with surgical procedures involving radioactive tracers influence your perspective, confidence, and approach toward embarking on this training activity?
- What specific knowledge gaps have you identified that you need to address, and what actions will you take to prepare yourself before beginning the commissioning process?
In action
- Pay attention to the commissioning tests you are performing on the gamma probe system.
- What is the purpose of each test in ensuring the system’s suitability for sentinel node biopsy?
- What immediate judgments are you making as you operate the system and observe the initial test outcomes?
- Which aspects of using the gamma probe system and understanding the preliminary data feel straightforward, and which demand more focused effort and reference to protocols?
- How effectively are your current actions allowing you to complete the necessary commissioning tests for the gamma probe?
- Are you obtaining reliable data? What challenges are arising as you perform these tests?
- Are there any issues with the probe, the associated software, or the testing methodology?
- What are you learning about the specific performance characteristics required for a gamma probe used in sentinel node biopsy as the activity progresses?
- How does this activity build upon your existing knowledge of gamma detection and its clinical applications?
- If you encounter unexpected results or difficulties, are you thinking about alternative testing methods or ways to identify the cause?
- Are you considering when it might be necessary to seek advice or support from experienced colleagues during the commissioning process?
- Are you ensuring that your actions align with established protocols and your defined scope of practice?
On action
- Which commissioning tests did you undertake for the gamma probe system?
- What were the key outcomes of these tests?
- Based on the results, what were your conclusions about the gamma probe system’s suitability for sentinel node biopsy?
- What specific knowledge or skills did you acquire regarding gamma probe system commissioning for sentinel node biopsy?
- Were there any unexpected challenges encountered? What learning resulted from these? Did any results surprise you? What implications did these have for your understanding?
- How did your real-time adjustments during the commissioning process affect the results or your interpretation of them?
- How does this commissioning process relate to the clinical application of gamma probes in sentinel node biopsy?
- What aspects of gamma probe system commissioning require further development on your part?
- How can you apply the insights gained from this activity to future equipment assessments or training scenarios?
- What concrete actions will you take to enhance your understanding of gamma probe commissioning?
- What resources or support would aid your further learning in this specific area?
Beyond action
- Reflect on your experience commissioning a gamma probe system. Has your understanding of its specific clinical application (sentinel node biopsy) influenced how you now view the importance of its performance parameters?
- Compare the commissioning process for this targeted system with the more general commissioning of a gamma camera. What are the key similarities and differences in terms of testing and acceptance criteria?
- Review your earlier reflections on this training activity. What key aspects of gamma probe functionality and performance assessment have remained significant in your understanding? Have subsequent clinical observations reinforced these?
- Discuss your experiences with gamma probe commissioning with colleagues, particularly those who have been involved in sentinel node biopsy procedures. Have their insights added to your understanding?
- Consider how the precision required for gamma probe commissioning has influenced your approach to preparing radioactive sources for specific applications or understanding the impact of source parameters.
- How has this experience contributed to your broader understanding of quality assurance systems routinely used for nuclear medicine equipment?
- Think about how your understanding of gamma probe performance might contribute to discussions or reflections on observed clinical procedures involving this equipment.
- Identify transferable skills such as understanding the link between equipment performance and clinical outcome, attention to detail in specialised procedures, and the importance of application-specific quality control. How might these skills be valuable in other areas of your future practice?
- Determine how you will continue to develop your knowledge of gamma probe systems and their role in clinical practice. Are there specific aspects of sentinel node biopsy procedures you would like to learn more about?
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. |