ObjectiveTo improve health care quality and safety by monitoring the performance of PhilipsPrecedence Dual-head single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). MethodsWith our own homemade point source and the center of rotation model, in accordance with NEMA standards and manufacturers' design conditions, these three indicators including energy peak position of the instrument, intrinsic uniformity and center of rotation were routinely tested between 2008 and 2012 for the Philips-Precedence Dual-head SPECT in our hospital. In addition, the quality control was performed twice a week, and every year the total number of quality control was basically the same. We calculated the results by the weighted average method. ResultsThe 5-year average energy peaks of detector 1 and 2 were (139.23±0.32) and (138.97±0.45) keV, respectively, and they were both within the range of reference values [(140±3) keV]. In addition, the results of center of rotation were also in the normal range, and kept stable. Based on the analysis of quality-control data, for detector 1, compared with the data of 2008, there was no significant diTherence for central field of vision (CFOV) and useful field of vision (UFOV) in these three years from 2009 to 2011 (P>0.05). The diTherence was only significant between data of 2008 and that of 2012 (P<0.05). For detector 2, compared with the data of 2008, there was no significant diTherence for CFOV and UFOV in 2009 and 2011(P>0.05), while there was significant diTherent in 2010 and 2012 (P<0.05). ConclusionThe uniformity of SPECT will gradually deteriorate with prolonged use. However, regular quality control and maintaining can keep the function stabilization, and enhance the availability rate.
ObjectiveUtilizing PDCA circulation to enhance the quality of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in whole body bone scan (WBS). MethodsBased on a retrospective analysis of the quality of WBS in the first half of year 2012, advices and measurements to improve the quality were implemented by the technologists. In the following half year of 2012, monthly evaluation of the WBS quality were carried out to further improve the quality by focusing on fine details of the patient positioning, radiopharmaceuticals injection and image processing, etc. ResultsBy utilization of PDCA circulation, WBS quality in the latter half year of 2012 constantly improved. Further more, effective and improved technical procedures were extracted from scattered individual experience, which was expected to improve the WBS quality effectively in the long run. ConclusionApplication of PDCA circulation in SPECT in whole body bone scan improves the image quality, because it not only brings better communication and understanding between patients and physicians/technologists, but also enables better patient preparations and individualized procedures based on standard protocols.