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 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 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.
Radioactive drug development is a multi-disciplinary task. Therefore, dedicated scientists and experts from different fields of specialisation have contributed to this book. The text reviews forty years of advances in radiopharmaceutical development based on Technetium. The first section reviews basic principles and analytic methods, and information on chemical makeup of radiopharmaceuticals. Part 2 reviews 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine, thoroughly outlining their chemistry, formulation, pharmacokinetics and clinical applications.
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.
Accurate interpretation of nuclear medicine image data depends upon an understanding of image patterns and quantitative results. This book presents numerous examples which allow the reader to gain an understanding of the interpretation of quality control tests and to recognize artefacts. The examples are not limited to the quality control tests, but include clinical images obtained from unsuspected malfunctioning in the scintillation camera and/or computer system, suboptimal use of the system or operator error.
This publication provides guidelines for the implementation of quality assurance and control programs concerning the combined medical diagnostic modality of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). These independent, but complementary, imaging techniques are in frequent and increasing use within the fields of diagnostic imaging, oncology, cardiology and neurology, where they allow physicians to locate and diagnose malignant diseases accurately. This publication establishes guidelines for acceptance testing and routine quality control as necessary for optimal clinical performance. Specific topics of discussion include frameworks for reference values, tolerances and action levels, minimal required configurations with corresponding performances characteristics, and the management of ancillary equipment.
This publication presents a harmonized approach to quality assurance in the field of computed tomography applied to both diagnostics and therapy. It gives a careful analysis of the principles and specific instructions that can be used for a quality assurance programme for optimal performance and reduced patient dose in diagnostic radiology. In some cases, radiotherapy programmes are making a transition from 2-D to 3-D radiotherapy, a complex process which critically depends on accurate treatment planning. In this respect, the authors also provide detailed information about the elements needed for quality assurance testing, including those relating to accurate patient characterization as needed for radiotherapy treatment planning.
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.
