Training activity information
Details
Perform a range of quality control tests for a CT 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; daily, weekly, monthly and annual
- Correct and safe operation of imaging equipment including the performance of test procedures
- Appropriate levels of accuracy and precision
- National/international guidance
- Comparison with manufacturer’s specification
- Performance criteria, including remedial and suspension levels
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 essential quality control tests for a CT system?
- What are the recommended tolerances and testing frequencies for these parameters?
- What are the common artefacts in CT imaging and how can quality control help identify their causes?
- What are the basic principles of CT image acquisition and reconstruction that are relevant to quality control?
- What practical skills in performing CT system quality control tests will you gain?
- How will this experience improve your ability to evaluate CT image quality and identify potential system malfunctions?
- Reflect on your understanding of CT imaging – how does quality control contribute to diagnostic accuracy and patient safety?
- Have you discussed the specific CT quality control tests with your training officer to gain a clarity of understanding regarding what is expected of you during this activity?
- What essential information from the CT scanner’s quality assurance manual and relevant guidelines must you review to contextualise your preparation and focus your attention before embarking on the activity?
- What potential challenges do you anticipate encountering during the testing process, and how have you planned to handle or mitigate them, particularly regarding the interpretation of complex results?
- Thinking about what you already know, how does your prior experience with CT imaging and any previous involvement in quality assurance influence your current perspective and confidence regarding this training activity?
- Which specific QC tests are you less familiar with or unsure about, and what actions will you take during your preparation to ensure you are working safely within your scope of practice?
In action
- Pay attention to the specific quality control (QC) tests you are performing on the CT system.
- What is the aim of each test in ensuring optimal image quality and the accurate functioning of the scanner?
- What on-the-spot assessments are you making as you execute the QC scans and review the initial images and data?
- What elements of operating the CT QC software and interpreting the early results are clear, and what requires more deliberate attention and reference to QC guidelines?
- How efficiently are your current methods enabling you to complete the required QC tests for the CT system?
- Are you obtaining the necessary image quality phantoms and acquiring the correct data?
- What difficulties are you encountering while performing these QC tests?
- Are there any issues with phantom positioning, scan parameters, or image analysis tools?
- What are you learning about CT system performance and common QC failures as the activity proceeds?
- How does this activity relate to your fundamental understanding of CT physics, image reconstruction, and quality assurance principles?
- If you face challenges with a particular QC test, are you considering alternative scan protocols or analysis techniques?
- Do you need to ask for assistance or clarification from experienced CT radiographers or physicists during the QC procedures?
- Are you adhering to the relevant QC protocols and ensuring your actions are within your scope of practice?
On action
- What quality control tests did you conduct on the CT system?
- What were the main findings of these tests?
- What was your assessment of the CT system’s performance based on the test results?
- What new skills or knowledge did you gain regarding CT system quality control?
- 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 CT scanner performance?
- How did your in-the-moment decisions during the quality control influence the results or your interpretation?
- How does this activity connect to the broader context of ensuring diagnostic image quality in CT scanning?
- What areas of CT system quality control 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 CT system quality control?
- What resources or support would be beneficial for your continued learning in this area?
Beyond action
- Looking back on your experience performing quality control tests on a CT system, how has your understanding of CT image acquisition and the various factors that influence image quality evolved since you completed this activity?
- When you compare CT quality control (QC) tests with those used for nuclear medicine imaging systems, what fundamental differences have you identified in the principles of image formation and the resulting QC requirements?
- In reviewing your initial reflections on this training activity, which learning points regarding scanner operation and potential artefacts remain most relevant to your current understanding of hybrid imaging (SPECT/CT or PET/CT), and how did your observations of CT installations provide additional context?
- If you have since discussed this experience relevant colleagues specialising in CT, what insights or critical QC parameters have been highlighted that have changed your view of common issues in the department?
- How has the systematic approach required for CT QC influenced your broader understanding of the importance of quality assurance across all imaging modalities in your practice?
- How has this experience contributed to your ability to clearly explain CT scanner operation and critically analyse commissioning or routine performance results?
- In what ways will your understanding of CT system QC support your preparedness for formal assessments, such as performing image quality tests for a CT scanner or participating in case-based discussions?
- What transferable skills have you developed undertaking this training activity? How might these be valuable if you were to work with complex hybrid imaging systems or become involved in protocol optimisation?
- What specific actions will you now take to ensure you continue to develop your knowledge of CT technology and quality assurance, particularly regarding its integration with nuclear medicine?
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. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Analyse the results of quality control testing. |