Experience a comprehensive workflow for CT Quality Control encompassing system verification, image analysis, resolution tests, safety checks, and continuous monitoring.
1
Check CT system for any visible damage
2
Verify that all system components are functioning properly
3
Check if the CT scanner is properly calibrated
4
Perform image uniformity and linearity tests
5
Evaluate noise levels in the images
6
Verify resolution through spatial resolution test
7
Validate contrast resolution
8
Review the assessment of CT number accuracy
9
Check CT dose and radiation outputs
10
Perform hardware and software safety checks
11
Verify patient positioning tools and devices
12
Ensure reports are properly generated
13
Inspect image quality
14
Verify that images are correctly transferred to PACS system
15
Approval: Technologist to check quality control
16
Review CT quality control log
17
Confirm completion of corrective actions for any noted deficiencies
18
Approval: Radiologist to review and approve final reports
19
Submit final reports
20
Conduct follow-up checks and continuous monitoring
Check CT system for any visible damage
Inspect the CT system for any visible damage or signs of wear and tear. This includes checking the exterior surfaces, cables, connectors, and the control panel. Any cracks, dents, loose connections, or other abnormalities should be noted and reported. Ensure that the system is clean and free from dirt or debris.
1
Check exterior surfaces
2
Inspect cables and connectors
3
Examine control panel
Verify that all system components are functioning properly
Ensure that all components of the CT system are functioning properly. This includes checking the power supply, cooling system, gantry rotation, detector alignment, and other critical components. Perform tests and measurements to verify their functionality and record the results.
1
Test power supply
2
Check cooling system
3
Verify gantry rotation
4
Align detector
5
Test other critical components
Check if the CT scanner is properly calibrated
Verify that the CT scanner is properly calibrated to ensure accurate image acquisition and reconstruction. This includes checking the calibration parameters, performing calibration tests, and comparing the results against established standards. Any deviations should be addressed and documented.
1
Check calibration parameters
2
Perform calibration tests
3
Compare results against standards
Perform image uniformity and linearity tests
Conduct image uniformity and linearity tests to assess the performance of the CT scanner. This involves acquiring images of standard phantoms, analyzing the pixel values, and evaluating any deviations from the expected values. Adjustments or corrections should be made as necessary.
1
Acquire images of standard phantoms
2
Analyze pixel values
3
Evaluate deviations
4
Make adjustments if needed
Evaluate noise levels in the images
Assess the noise levels in the CT images to ensure that they are within acceptable limits. This can be done by acquiring images of uniform phantoms and using appropriate software or tools to measure and analyze the noise characteristics. Record the results and take corrective actions if necessary.
1
Acquire images of uniform phantoms
2
Measure and analyze noise
3
Record results
4
Take corrective actions if needed
Verify resolution through spatial resolution test
Verify the resolution capabilities of the CT scanner through a spatial resolution test. This involves imaging high-resolution phantoms and assessing the ability to resolve fine details. Record the test results and address any resolution-related issues that are identified.
1
Image high-resolution phantoms
2
Assess ability to resolve fine details
3
Record test results
4
Address resolution-related issues
Validate contrast resolution
Validate the contrast resolution of the CT scanner to ensure the ability to distinguish subtle differences in tissue density. This can be done by imaging contrast phantoms and evaluating the visibility of low contrast objects. Adjustments or corrections should be made if necessary.
1
Image contrast phantoms
2
Evaluate visibility of low contrast objects
3
Make adjustments if needed
Review the assessment of CT number accuracy
Review the assessment of CT number accuracy to verify that the Hounsfield unit measurements are correct and consistent. This can be done by imaging standardized phantoms with known CT numbers and comparing the measured values. Any discrepancies should be identified and addressed.
1
Image standardized phantoms
2
Compare measured values
3
Identify and address discrepancies
Check CT dose and radiation outputs
Check the CT dose and radiation outputs to ensure that they are within safe and acceptable levels. This includes measuring the radiation dose, evaluating the exposure settings, and comparing them against established standards or guidelines. Take appropriate actions if any deviations are found.
1
Measure radiation dose
2
Evaluate exposure settings
3
Compare against standards
4
Take appropriate actions if needed
Perform hardware and software safety checks
Perform comprehensive hardware and software safety checks to ensure the safe operation of the CT system. This includes verifying the functionality of safety devices, checking for any software updates or patches, and confirming compliance with safety regulations. Document any issues or concerns and address them appropriately.
1
Verify functionality of safety devices
2
Check for software updates or patches
3
Confirm compliance with safety regulations
4
Document issues or concerns
Verify patient positioning tools and devices
Verify the availability and functionality of patient positioning tools and devices used during CT scans. This includes checking the condition of immobilization devices, positioning aids, and patient support systems. Identify and report any issues or deficiencies that may affect the quality of patient positioning.
1
Check condition of immobilization devices
2
Inspect positioning aids
3
Verify patient support systems
4
Identify and report issues
Ensure reports are properly generated
Ensure that the reports generated by the CT system are accurate and complete. This includes reviewing the content, formatting, and organization of the reports. Verify that all required information is included and that the reports are easily understandable. Take corrective actions if any discrepancies or deficiencies are identified.
1
Review report content
2
Check formatting and organization
3
Verify inclusion of required information
4
Take corrective actions if needed
Inspect image quality
Inspect the quality of CT images to ensure that they are of high diagnostic value. This involves reviewing image characteristics such as resolution, contrast, noise levels, artifacts, and overall image appearance. Identify and address any issues or abnormalities that may affect image quality.
1
Review resolution
2
Assess contrast
3
Analyze noise levels
4
Identify artifacts
5
Evaluate overall image appearance
6
Address issues or abnormalities
Verify that images are correctly transferred to PACS system
Verify that CT images are correctly transferred to the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). This includes checking the transfer process, confirming the availability of the images in the appropriate patient records, and ensuring the integrity of the images during transfer. Take corrective actions if any problems or discrepancies are identified.
1
Check transfer process
2
Confirm availability in patient records
3
Ensure image integrity
4
Take corrective actions if needed
Approval: Technologist to check quality control
Will be submitted for approval:
Check CT system for any visible damage
Will be submitted
Verify that all system components are functioning properly
Will be submitted
Check if the CT scanner is properly calibrated
Will be submitted
Perform image uniformity and linearity tests
Will be submitted
Evaluate noise levels in the images
Will be submitted
Verify resolution through spatial resolution test
Will be submitted
Validate contrast resolution
Will be submitted
Review the assessment of CT number accuracy
Will be submitted
Check CT dose and radiation outputs
Will be submitted
Perform hardware and software safety checks
Will be submitted
Verify patient positioning tools and devices
Will be submitted
Ensure reports are properly generated
Will be submitted
Inspect image quality
Will be submitted
Verify that images are correctly transferred to PACS system
Will be submitted
Review CT quality control log
Review the CT quality control log to ensure that all required quality control tasks have been performed and documented. This includes checking for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of entries. Address any missing or incomplete entries, and ensure that the log is up to date.
1
Check for completeness of entries
2
Verify accuracy of entries
3
Assess timeliness of entries
4
Address missing or incomplete entries
5
Ensure log is up to date
Confirm completion of corrective actions for any noted deficiencies
Confirm that all corrective actions for any deficiencies or issues identified during the quality control process have been completed. This includes verifying that appropriate actions were taken, evaluating the effectiveness of the actions, and ensuring that the issues have been resolved. Document the completion of corrective actions.
1
Verify completion of corrective actions
2
Evaluate effectiveness of actions
3
Ensure resolution of issues
4
Document completion of actions
Approval: Radiologist to review and approve final reports
Submit final reports
Prepare and submit final reports summarizing the results of the CT quality control process. This includes compiling all relevant data, analysis, and findings into a comprehensive report. Ensure that the reports are accurate, well-organized, and readily accessible for review.
Conduct follow-up checks and continuous monitoring
Conduct regular follow-up checks and continuous monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance with quality control standards. This includes scheduling and performing periodic quality control tests, evaluating trends or patterns in the data, and making necessary adjustments or improvements. Maintain thorough records of follow-up checks and monitoring activities.
