Competency: 3

Details

Critically review quality assurance programmes for radionuclide imaging

Considerations

• Correct and safe operation of imaging equipment
• Factors that affect dose and image quality in the context of intended use
• The benefits to patient treatment and care of performing commissioning tests
• Individual types and components of instrumentation
• Standards applicable to radionuclide imaging equipment, including National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), national standards and manufacturer’s guidance
• Current guidelines and legislative requirements for imaging equipment testing
• Analysis of performance trends
• Performance criteria, including remedial and suspension levels, for a broad range of imaging equipment
• Likely causes of degradation of image quality and timescale over which common defect types progress
• Awareness of escalation pathway for corrective action (eg first-line action, when to contact manufacturer)
• Principles of quality assurance and equipment quality control, including the key performance parameters for testing
• The range of suitable tests to carry out on equipment to establish safe, consistent and expected operation
• Errors and statistical analyses
• The performance and limitations of test procedures
• Appropriate specifications for different clinical requirements
• Appropriate level of accuracy and precision for a range of tests

Relevant learning outcomes