Periodic Quality Control Methods for SPECT-CT

In the field of medical imaging, gamma cameras, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and SPECT/CT are critical diagnostic tools. Quality control is essential for these devices because equipment malfunctions may lead to degraded image quality, thereby affecting physicians' accurate assessment of medical conditions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) have recommended standardized, periodic quality control to ensure the stability of equipment operation and the reliability of medical images. By evaluating both planar and tomographic imaging modes, a more comprehensive assessment of equipment performance can be achieved, ensuring stable and accurate operation to provide reliable support for clinical diagnosis. The importance of quality control is in its capacity to detect equipment issues early, preserve image quality, and guarantee the reliability of diagnostic outcomes. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has established pertinent recommendations for quality control and testing of gamma cameras, SPECT, and SPECT/CT systems, emphasizing the importance of testing both planar and tomographic imaging modes of the equipment. The quality control of medical imaging equipment plays a crucial role in ensuring high-quality images and reliable diagnostic capabilities. By monitoring equipment performance and identifying potential issues promptly, the quality control process helps maintain the image quality of medical imaging and the reliability of clinical diagnostic work. This article outlines the quality control methods employed for SPECT-CT instruments. These methods include background tests, intrinsic uniformity tests, photomultiplier tube gain adjustments, center of rotation tests, CT image quality control, image fusion tests, and other related procedures.