Performance Assessment / Quality Assurance in Cross Sectional Modalities

Flashcards focused on key concepts of quality assurance in cross-sectional imaging, covering definitions and important terms relevant to the lecture.

Quality Assurance (QA)

A systematic approach to ensuring that medical equipment performs safely and effectively, including tests and guidelines for operation.

Cross-sectional imaging modalities

Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT, used to create cross-sectional views of the body.

IPEM Report 102

A guideline report published by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine for quality assurance in ultrasound imaging.

Transducer

A device in ultrasound that converts electrical energy into sound waves and vice versa, essential for imaging.

Image dropout

Missing or lost data in an ultrasound image, resulting in a gap or shadow that appears due to issues with the acoustic array.

Acoustic array

A collection of piezoelectric elements in an ultrasound transducer that generates and receives sound waves.

Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)

A measurement of the signal level compared to the background noise in imaging, critical for image quality assessment.

Routine QA tests

Regularly performed assessments to ensure imaging equipment is functioning correctly and meets safety standards.

Level A testing

Basic and frequent quality assurance tests that require minimal equipment, typically performed by radiographers.

Image noise

Random variations in pixel values in an image that can affect overall image clarity; should be monitored and maintained within acceptable levels.

Uniformity in MRI

The consistency of signal intensity across an image, indicating effective machine operation and calibration.