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An evaluation of the current status of quality assurance program in MRI: A multicenter study
D Vásquez López1, H I Sánchez Mendoza2, E H Pasaye Alcaraz3
1Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Tollocan S/N, Toluca, Estado de México, 50180, Mexico.
Introduction:
Quality Assurance Programs (QAPs) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are essential for acquiring images that provide information for medical diagnosis and treatment. As part of a quality assurance program, quality control tests (QC) are conducted to ensure that high-quality images are acquired during the acquisition process. Implementing QAPs in MRI is crucial to ensuring diagnostic image acquisition and personnel safety.
Methods:
In this study, 21 indicators of compliance/non-compliance were used to evaluate the QAP in ten Mexican MRI facilities, through a documentary review. Also, nine QC tests were developed under ACR protocol in the MRIs scanners including 1.5 T and 3.0 T systems. The association of the QAP and QC tests results for MRI scanners was studied.
Results:
It was found that all facilities evaluated failed at least one of the QAP indicators. Only 20 % of the facilities achieved more than 90 % on all QAP indicators, while 30 % achieved 100 % acceptability in QC tests. The statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the QAP indicators and QC tests, particularly the room technical factors and MRI scanners.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that each MRI facility needs to improve QAP implementation and surveillance to establish QC reference values to enhance operational conditions and ensure consistent image quality throughout the facilities. It is imperative that the Mexican government update the legal framework regarding MRI safety in accordance with international recommendations and guidelines in order to ensure the implementation of QAPs in MRI facilities.
Implications For Practice:
As a result of standardizing protocols and monitoring reference values for image quality, the implementation of QA and QC indicators in MRI facilities may improve clinical practice and patient safety.
Insights
Quality Assurance Programs (QAPs) and quality control (QC) tests are vital for diagnostic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Studies show a correlation between QAP compliance and QC test results, highlighting areas for improvement in MRI facilities.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging Physics
- Radiology Quality Management
Background:
- Quality Assurance Programs (QAPs) are critical for diagnostic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- Quality Control (QC) tests ensure high-quality image acquisition within QAPs.
- Implementing robust QAPs in MRI is essential for diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of QAPs in Mexican MRI facilities.
- To assess the association between QAP compliance indicators and QC test results.
- To identify areas for improvement in MRI quality management.
Main Methods:
- A documentary review of 21 compliance indicators was conducted across ten Mexican MRI facilities.
- Nine QC tests were performed on 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI scanners following ACR protocols.
- Statistical analysis was used to determine the correlation between QAP indicators and QC test outcomes.
Main Results:
- All evaluated MRI facilities failed to meet at least one QAP indicator.
- Only 20% of facilities exceeded 90% compliance across all QAP indicators.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between QAP indicators and QC test results, particularly concerning technical factors and MRI scanners.
Conclusions:
- MRI facilities require enhanced QAP implementation and surveillance to establish QC reference values.
- Improving operational conditions and ensuring consistent image quality are paramount.
- Updating the legal framework for MRI safety in Mexico, aligned with international standards, is imperative for effective QAP implementation.
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