The hospital manages imaging safety risks.

(1)

At least annually, a diagnostic medical physicist or nuclear medicine physicist inspects, tests, and calibrates all nuclear medicine (NM) imaging equipment. The results, along with recommendations for correcting any problems identified, are documented. These activities are conducted for all of the image types produced clinically by each NM scanner (for example, planar and/or tomographic) and include the use of phantoms to assess the following imaging metrics: - Image uniformity/system uniformity - High-contrast resolution/system spatial resolution - Sensitivity - Energy resolution - Count-rate performance - Artifact evaluation Note 1: The following test is recommended but not required: Low-contrast resolution or detectability for non-planar acquisitions. Note 2: The medical physicist or nuclear medicine physicist is accountable for these activities. They may be assisted with the testing and evaluation of equipment performance by individuals who have the required training and skills, as determined by the medical physicist or nuclear medicine physicist. (For more information, refer to HR.11.01.03, EPs 1 and 2; HR.11.02.01, EP 2)

(2)

At least annually, a diagnostic medical physicist conducts a performance evaluation of all positron emission tomography (PET) imaging equipment. The evaluation results, along with recommendations for correcting any problems identified, are documented. The evaluations are conducted for all of the image types produced clinically by each PET scanner (for example, planar and/or tomographic) and include the use of phantoms to assess the following imaging metrics: - Image uniformity/system uniformity - High-contrast resolution/system spatial resolution - Low-contrast resolution or detectability (not applicable for planar acquisitions) - Artifact evaluation Note 1: The following tests are recommended but not required for PET scanner testing: sensitivity, energy resolution, and count-rate performance. Note 2: Medical physicists are accountable for these activities. They may be assisted with the testing and evaluation of equipment performance by individuals who have the required training and skills, as determined by the medical physicist. (For more information, refer to HR.11.01.03, EPs 1 and 2; HR.11.02.01, EP 2)

(3)

For computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear medicine (NM), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services: The annual performance evaluation conducted by the diagnostic medical physicist or MRI scientist (for MRI only) includes testing of image acquisition display monitors for maximum and minimum luminance, luminance uniformity, resolution, and spatial accuracy. Note 1: This element of performance does not apply to dental cone beam CT radiographic imaging studies performed for diagnosis of conditions affecting the maxillofacial region or to obtain guidance for the treatment of such conditions. Note 2: Medical physicists or MRI scientists are accountable for these activities. They may be assisted with the testing and evaluation of equipment performance by individuals who have the required training and skills, as determined by the physicist or MRI scientist. (For more information, refer to HR.11.01.03, EPs 1 and 2; HR.11.02.01, EP 2)

(4)

For hospitals that provide fluoroscopic services: At least annually, a diagnostic medical physicist conducts a performance evaluation of fluoroscopic imaging equipment. The evaluation results, along with recommendations for correcting any problems identified, are documented. The evaluation includes an assessment of the following: - Beam alignment and collimation - Tube potential/kilovolt peak (kV/kVp) accuracy - Beam filtration (half-value layer) - High-contrast resolution - Low-contrast detectability - Maximum exposure rate in fluoroscopic mode - Displayed air-kerma rate and cumulative-air kerma accuracy (when applicable) Note 1: Medical physicists conducting performance evaluations may be assisted with the testing and evaluation of equipment performance by individuals who have the required training and skills, as determined by the physicist. Note 2: This element of performance does not apply to fluoroscopy equipment used for therapeutic radiation treatment planning or delivery.