Training activity information
Details
Perform a range of quality control tests for a PET system, 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
- Local quality control procedures, including daily, weekly, monthly and annual
- National/international guidance for equipment quality control
- Preparation, use and disposal of radioactive sources
- Appropriate PPE
- Use of associated phantoms and equipment
- Comparison with local alert and action levels
- 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 routine quality control tests for a PET system? What are the acceptance criteria and recommended frequencies for these tests? What are the main factors that can affect the performance and image quality of a PET system?
- What are the fundamental principles of PET imaging that are relevant to quality control testing?
- What practical skills in performing PET system quality control tests will you develop? How will this experience enhance your ability to analyse the results of these tests and identify potential issues?
- Reflect on your understanding of PET image formation and interpretation – how does quality control ensure reliable clinical images?
- Have you discussed the specific quality control tests with your training officer to ensure you have a clarity of understanding regarding what is expected of you during this activity?
- What essential information from the PET system’s quality control manual and relevant national guidelines must you review to contextualise your preparation and focus your attention before embarking on the tests?
- What potential challenges do you anticipate encountering during the testing process, and how have you planned to handle or troubleshoot common problems if they arise?
- Thinking about what you already know, how does your prior experience with PET imaging and quality assurance procedures influence your current perspective and confidence regarding this training activity?
- In identifying the specific tests you are less familiar with, what additional actions will you take in your preparation to ensure you are ready to perform them effectively?
In action
- Pay attention to the specific quality control (QC) tests you are performing on the PET system.
- What is the purpose of each test in maintaining optimal image quality and system performance?
- What real-time evaluations are you making as you run the QC procedures and examine the initial data or images?
- What aspects of operating the PET QC software and interpreting the preliminary results feel intuitive, and what requires more conscious effort and reference to QC protocols?
- How effective are your current actions in completing the required QC tests for the PET system?
- Are you obtaining the necessary data and images for analysis?
- What challenges are you facing during the performance of these QC tests? For instance, are there issues with phantom preparation, data acquisition, or image reconstruction?
- What can you learn about PET system performance and common QC issues as the activity unfolds?
- How does this activity connect to your existing knowledge of PET physics, image formation, and quality assurance principles?
- Are there alternative approaches you could be considering if you encounter problems with a particular QC test? For example, repeating scans with adjusted parameters?
- Do you need to seek support or guidance from experienced PET technologists or physicists at any point during the QC process?
- Are you ensuring you are working within the established QC protocols and your scope of practice?
On action
- What quality control tests did you perform on the PET system?
- What were the key results obtained for each test?
- What were your initial observations regarding the acceptability of the PET system’s performance based on these results?
- What specific skills or knowledge did you develop or improve related to PET system quality control?
- 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 about PET system performance?
- How did your actions during the quality control process influence the outcomes or your understanding of the results?
- How does this experience relate to the clinical image quality and diagnostic accuracy of PET scans?
- What areas for continued development in PET system quality control 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 PET system quality control or address any areas of difficulty encountered?
- What support or resources might you need to further develop your skills in this area?
Beyond action
- Reflecting on your experience performing quality control (QC) tests on a PET system, how has your understanding of the complexities of PET imaging and the fundamental importance of rigorous QC evolved since completing this activity?
- When you compare PET QC tests with those for gamma cameras and CT systems, what modality-specific challenges and performance parameters have you identified as critical to monitor?
- Upon reviewing your initial reflections, what key learning points regarding PET system performance and potential artefacts remain most relevant to your interpretation of clinical images, and have your observations of PET scans provided necessary context to these QC findings?
- If you have since discussed your experience with colleagues, what insights have been highlighted regarding critical QC parameters or potential pitfalls that you may not have previously considered?
- How has the detailed, multi-parametric approach required for PET QC influenced your broader understanding of image quality and performance standards in other imaging modalities?
- How has this experience contributed to your ability to critically analyse commissioning and routine performance results for PET scanners?
- In what ways will your understanding of PET system QC support your preparedness for relevant observed assessments, such as case-based discussions or DOPS related to PET imaging?
- Having identified transferable skills—such as understanding complex system interactions and data analysis of multi-parametric datasets—how might these be valuable in future research or advanced clinical applications of PET?
- What specific actions will you take to ensure you continue to expand your knowledge of PET technology and remain updated on evolving national guidelines and quality assurance procedures?
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. |