Intrinsic uniformity and relative sensitivity quality control tests for single-head gamma cameras.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine the best parameters for rapid performance of daily quality control testing of intrinsic uniformity and relative sensitivity for the single-head gamma-camera system in our nuclear medicine department.


METHODS
The effects of the following parameters on intrinsic uniformity were studied: gamma source activity, number of acquired counts for the flood image, source-to-camera distance, image matrix size, and source volume. The dead time of the system was determined experimentally using the two-source method for accurate calculation of relative sensitivity.


RESULTS
A set of parameters for rapid performance of daily gamma-camera intrinsic uniformity and relative sensitivity was determined. The dead time of our gamma-camera system was found to be 4.5 +/- 0.2 micros.


CONCLUSIONS
With our recommended parameters, the intrinsic uniformity and relative sensitivity quality control testing can be performed in 5-6 min. The dead time of each gamma-camera system must be determined experimentally in each nuclear medicine department.
Elkamhawy
A A
AA
Nuclear Medicine Department, Cuero Community Hospital, Texas 77954, USA. abdel@dewittec.net
Rothenbach
J R
JR
Damaraju
S
S
Badruddin
S M
SM
D015902:Gamma Cameras / Q000592:standards*; D011786:Quality Control