Survey of Current Status of Quality Control of Gamma Cameras in Republic of Korea

Choe, Jae Gol; Joh, Cheol Woo

Abstract

PURPOSE: It is widely recognized that good quality control (QC) program is essential for adequate imaging diagnosis using gamma camera. The purpose of this study is to survey the current status of QC of gamma cameras in Republic of Korea for implementing appropriate nationwide quality control guidelines and programs.
METHODS
A collection of data is done for personnel, equipment and appropriateness of each nuclear medicine imaging laboratory's quality control practice. This survey is done by collection of formatted questionnaire by mails, emails or interviews. We also reviewed the current recommendations concerning quality assurance by international societies.
RESULTS
This survey revealed that practice of quality control is irregular and not satisfactory. The irregularity of the QC practice seems due partly to the lack of trained personnel, equipment, budget, time and hand-on guidelines.
CONCLUSION
The implementation of QC program may cause additional burden to the hospitals, patients and nuclear medicine laboratories. However, the benefit of a good QC program is obvious that the hospitals can provide good quality nuclear medicine imaging studies to the patients. It is important to use least cumbersome QC protocol, to educate the nuclear medicine and hospital administrative personnel concerning QC, and to establish national QC guidelines to help each individual nuclear medicine laboratory.