Quality Control of Gamma Cameras

This set of flashcards is designed to help students learn important vocabulary and concepts related to quality control and assurance methods in gamma cameras based on the lecture notes provided.

Quality Control

Procedures to ensure the quality and performance of gamma cameras.

Quality Assurance

Processes to ensure ongoing improvement and reliability throughout nuclear medicine procedures.

Routine Quality Control

Daily checks to monitor the condition and performance of gamma cameras.

Daily QC

Visual checks, motion touch-pad testing, background checks, peaking, and uniformity assessments performed daily.

Uniformity Flood

A test performed to verify the functionality of the gamma camera, assessing radiation uniformity.

Visual Inspection

A daily check for physical damage to the gamma camera and its components.

Touch-Pad Test

A check of the motion sensors to confirm they are functioning correctly.

Peaking

A daily procedure to confirm the alignment of the camera's energy window.

Energy Window

Range of energies set to detect gamma rays from a specific radionuclide.

Intrinsic Uniformity

Measurement of uniformity across the entire detector surface without a collimator.

Extrinsic Uniformity

Uniformity measurement performed using a collimator.

Bar Phantoms

Tools used to evaluate spatial resolution and linearity of gamma cameras.

NEMA Standards

Standards set to evaluate the performance of gamma cameras.

Sensitivity Check

Evaluation of camera's response to radiation source compared to background noise.

Collimator Integrity

Assessment of collimator for non-parallel holes and structural integrity.

Multiple Window Spatial Registration

Test to ensure gamma rays from different energy windows fall in the same position on the image.

Gamma Camera QC Math

Mathematical calculations used to assess gamma camera performance.

Accreditation Agencies

Organizations like JCAHO and ACR that set the standards for quality in nuclear medicine.

Quality Control Artifacts

Common issues that may affect gamma camera images and readings.

Moire Patterns

Artifacts that can occur under certain operational conditions in gamma camera images.

Photon Energy (keV)

Energy of gamma photons measured in kiloelectronvolts.

Field of View (FOV)

The extent of the observable area that a gamma camera can capture.

Matrix Sizes

Various pixel arrangements used in imaging, affecting resolution and sensitivity.

FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum)

A measure of the width of a peak in a photopeak spectrum.

Pixel Size Determination

Measurement of pixel dimensions to ensure satisfactory resolution.

Action Levels

Thresholds that trigger corrective measures during quality control.

Expectations for QC Tests

Quality benchmarks that QC tests such as intrinsic uniformity should meet.

Automatic Peaking

An automated process in modern systems to adjust energy windows.

Normalization of Counts

Process to adjust counts for uniformity in radiation detection.

Operational Check

Assessment of camera performance with and without collimators.

Image Storage Recommendations

Guidelines for storing acquired images for future analysis.

Artifact Recognition

Ability to identify flaws in gamma camera images caused by malfunction or incorrect settings.

Quality Control Procedures

Step-by-step methods employed to maintain and verify consistent camera performance.

Collimator Artifacts

Image distortions caused by defects in the collimator.

Quantitative Analysis

Statistical evaluation of gamma camera data for effective diagnostics.

High Count Flood

Performance evaluation using a high count rate to assess uniformity across the camera.

Extrinsic Protocol

Protocols for testing uniformity with the collimator in place.

Intrinsic Protocol

Protocols for testing uniformity without a collimator.

Calibration Procedures

Methods to ensure proper operation and accuracy of the gamma camera.

Operational Protocols

Standardized processes for using gamma cameras effectively in clinical settings.

Data Analysis Techniques

Methods employed to interpret data obtained from gamma cameras.

Background Counts

Measure of background radiation that must be accounted for during sensitivity tests.

Photopeak

Specific energy of gamma photons that is of interest in imaging.

Documentation Practices

Record-keeping processes essential for quality control in nuclear medicine.

Field Uniformity

Uniformity of gamma camera readings across the entire field of view.

Sensitivity Measurement

Evaluation of the gamma camera's response to radiation sources.

Procedure for Assessment

Systematic steps taken to examine the quality of gamma cameras.

Electrical Checks

Inspection of electrical components for safety and functionality in gamma cameras.

Corrective Actions

Steps taken when quality control tests indicate performance issues.

Common Problems in Quality Control

Frequent issues faced in maintaining gamma camera effectiveness.

Report and Review Procedures

Protocols for analyzing quality control results and making decisions.