This publication contains information on the implementation of quality assurance and quality control programmes for measuring radioactivity relating to the practice of nuclear medicine, covering standards at both the end user (clinic) and secondary radioactivity standards laboratory levels. It is based on the QA principles in ISO/IEC 17025 which describes requirements that testing and calibration laboratories must meet to demonstrate that they have a quality system in place and are technically competent.
Quality management systems are essential and should be maintained with the intent to continuously improve effectiveness and efficiency, enabling nuclear medicine to achieve the expectations of its quality policy, satisfy its customers and improve professionalism. The quality management (QM) audit methodology in nuclear medicine practice, introduced in this publication, is designed to be applied to a variety of economic circumstances. A key outcome is a culture of reviewing all processes of the clinical service for continuous improvement in nuclear medicine practice. Regular quality audits and assessments are vital for modern nuclear medicine services. More importantly, the entire QM and audit process has to be systematic, patient oriented and outcome based. The management of services should also take into account the diversity of nuclear medicine services around the world and multidisciplinary contributions. The latter include clinical, technical, radiopharmaceutical, medical physics and radiation safety procedures.
This comprehensive textbook provides a state of the art overview of the means by which quality in patient care is ensured within the field of nuclear medicine. Acknowledged experts in the field cover both management aspects, such as laws, standards, guidelines, patient safety, management instruments, and organisations, and specific issues, including radiation safety and equipment. Quality in Nuclear Medicine not only presents detailed information on the topics discussed but should also stimulate further discussion and offer an important tool to all professionals in the field of nuclear medicine and their stakeholders. Readers will find that the book provides a wealth of excellent guidance and reflects the pioneering role of nuclear medicine in advancing different aspects of quality within medicine.
Quality assurance (QA) is a crucial part of all aspects of nuclear medicine practice. The objective of this publication is to provide professionals in nuclear medicine centers with detailed quality control test procedures for the scintillation camera and computer system. Three types of quality tests are described in detail: acceptance, reference and routine tests for the scintillation camera, both in single and multiple head configurations, for obtaining images and quantitative data in planar imaging mode; whole body imaging mode; and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The publication is primarily intended to be of use to medical physicists, technologists, and other healthcare professionals who are responsible for ensuring optimal performance of imaging instruments, particularly SPECT systems. It may also be useful to managers, clinicians, and other decision-makers who are responsible for implementing quality assurance and quality control programs in nuclear medicine c
This publication reviews the current state of the art of image quantification and provides a solid background of tools and methods to medical physicists and other related professionals who are faced with quantification of radionuclide distribution in clinical practice. It describes and analyses the physical effects that degrade image quality and affect the accuracy of quantification, and describes methods to compensate for them in planar, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) images.
Does radiation medicine need more regulation or simply better-coordinated regulation? This book addresses this and other questions of critical importance to public health and safety. The issues involved are high on the nation's agenda: the impact of radiation on public safety, the balance between federal and state authority, and the cost-benefit ratio of regulation. Although incidents of misadministration are rare, a case in Pennsylvania resulting in the death of a patient and the inadvertent exposure of others to a high dose of radiation drew attention to issues concerning the regulation of ionizing radiation in medicine and the need to examine current regulatory practices. Written at the request from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Radiation in Medicine reviews the regulation of ionizing radiation in medicine, focusing on the NRC's Medical Use Program, which governs the use of reactor-generated byproduct materials. The committee recommends immediate action on enforcement and provides longer term proposals for reform of the regulatory system. The volume covers: Sources of radiation and their use in medicine. Levels of risk to patients, workers, and the public. Current roles of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, other federal agencies, and states. Criticisms from the regulated community. The committee explores alternative regulatory structures for radiation medicine and explains the rationale for the option it recommends in this volume. Based on extensive research, input from the regulated community, and the collaborative efforts of experts from a range of disciplines, Radiation in Medicine will be an important resource for federal and state policymakers and regulators, health professionals involved in radiation treatment, developers and producers of radiation equipment, insurance providers, and concerned laypersons.
Medical imaging is crucial in a variety of medical settings and at all levels of health care. In public health and preventive medicine as well as in both curative and palliative care, effective decisions depend on correct diagnoses. This edition addresses the most current needs and offers guidance on clinical practice, radiation safety and patient protection, human resource development and training required for the overall practice of nuclear medicine.
Whether you're preparing for exams, researching for use in your practice, or just brushing up, you can find the answers to your most frequently asked questions on nuclear medicine in this practical study guide. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction, followed by questions, detailed answers, and a complete list of current recommended readings. Easy-to-read, succinct question-and answer format presenting over 200 of the most commonly asked questions in Nuclear Medicine make a challenging area very accessible. Good preparation for examinations. 133 quality line drawings and images effectively complement the text. Features updated suggested readings list at the end of every chapter.
This book explains clearly and in detail all aspects of radiation protection in nuclear medicine, including measurement quantities and units, detectors and dosimeters, and radiation biology. Discussion of radiation doses to patients and to embryos, fetuses, and children forms a central part of the book. Phantom models, biokinetic models, calculations, and software solutions are all considered, and a further chapter is devoted to quality assurance and reference levels. Occupational exposure also receives detailed attention. Exposure resulting from the production, labeling, and injection of radiopharmaceuticals and from contact with patients is discussed and shielding calculations are explained. The book closes by considering exposure of the public and summarizing the "rules of thumb" for radiation protection in nuclear medicine. This is an ideal textbook for students and a ready source of useful information for nuclear medicine specialists and medical physics experts.
Comprehensive medical imaging physics notes aimed at those sitting the first FRCR physics exam in the UK and covering the scope of the Royal College of Radiologists syllabus. Written by Radiologists, the notes are concise and clearly organised with 100's of beautiful diagrams to aid understanding. The notes cover all of radiology physics, including basic science, x-ray imaging, CT, ultrasound, MRI, molecular imaging, and radiation dosimetry, protection and legislation. Although aimed at UK radiology trainees, it is also suitable for international residents taking similar examinations, postgraduate medical physics students and radiographers. The notes provide an excellent overview for anyone interested in the physics of radiology or just refreshing their knowledge. This third edition includes updates to reflect new legislation and many new illustrations, added sections, and removal of content no longer relevent to the FRCR physics exam. This edition has gone through strict critique and evaluation by physicists and other specialists to provide an accurate, understandable and up-to-date resource. The book summarises and pulls together content from the FRCR Physics Notes at Radiology Cafe and delivers it as a paperback or eBook for you to keep and read anytime. There are 7 main chapters, which are further subdivided into 60 sub-chapters so topics are easy to find. There is a comprehensive appendix and index at the back of the book.
