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[Development and use of quality control program in magnetic resonance]
P Berardi1, C Bergamini, G Gavelli
1Servizio di Fisica Sanitaria, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna.
La Radiologia Medica
|March 1, 1995
Summary
A comprehensive Quality Assurance (QA) protocol was developed for Magnetic Resonance (MR) systems. This protocol ensures diagnostic accuracy through daily and monthly checks, optimizing system performance and reliability.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Background:
- Two identical 0.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance (MR) units were installed in 1992.
- A need for a robust Quality Assurance (QA) protocol was identified to monitor system performance.
- Key goals included protocol completeness, efficiency, and reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and implement a comprehensive QA protocol for MR systems.
- To ensure the completeness and reliability of physical parameter checks.
- To optimize diagnostic accuracy through continuous monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Developed a two-part QA protocol: daily and monthly checks.
- Daily checks: Variable Echo image Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Eddy Current compensation, laser printer.
- Monthly checks: Spin Echo/Fast Scan SNR, uniformity, stability, ghosts, slice thickness, distortion, resolution.
Main Results:
- Daily checks revealed fluctuations in image reproduction and warned of potential malfunctions.
- Monthly checks showed differing performance between the two MR systems.
- One system demonstrated greater stability and better diagnostic image quality.
Conclusions:
- The developed QA protocol effectively monitors MR system performance.
- Daily QC checks provide crucial early warnings for potential issues.
- Continuous application of the QA protocol optimizes diagnostic accuracy and system reliability.