10 Quality Control

Chapter 10 – Quality Control (QC)
This chapter provides detailed instructions for performing the Ventri quality
control procedures, and specifies their regular performance schedule.
WARNING
Failing to perform the QC procedures as specified in this chapter may cause

serious deterioration in image quality, resulting in misinterpretation of the
acquired images.
The information in this chapter is given in the following order:
z QC Reports and Images on page 10-2
z Printing QC Test Results on page 10-2
z Reviewing QC & System Setup Reports on page 10-3
z Accessing the Quality Control Utilities on page 10-6.
z Daily Quality Control on page 10-9
z Periodical NM Calibration & QC on page 10-35
z C.O.R. Test on page 10-41
z Bar Phantom Test on page 10-49
The default parameters that appear for the QC tests are dependent upon the
QC default values selected during system configuration (see QC Default
Parameters on page 13-46). Parameters can be changed as desired.
Once a QC procedure is opened, a list of test procedures automatically appears

on the left side of the screen.
Direction 2414308-100, Rev. 3, Copyright© 2006 by GE Healthcare 10–1

Ventri User’s Guide
QC Reports and Images Quality Control (QC)
QC Reports and Images
z The QC report is automatically saved on the Ventri and can be

accessed via the Technologist and Admin Reports sub-
category in the Logs panel. Refer to Reviewing QC & System
Setup Reports on page 10-3.
z Trends for values tested during QC can be viewed via the History
Browser where they are categorized by the Isotope used and the
front end mode. Refer to QC Trend Analysis on page 10-26.
z QC reports can be printed to a Windows printer attached to the

Ventri. Alternately, a JPEG image file can be saved into an Ventri
directory which is accessible from Xeleris for printing. See Printing
QC Test Results on page 10-2.
z QC reports can be archived using the QC Archive utility. See

Archiving QC Reports on page 10-30.
z QC images are saved to the Ventri database and can be

transferred to the Xeleris for further processing, printing and
archiving. See Archiving QC Reports on page 10-30.
z It is possible to review QC studies from the Data Management

screen. To view the study, select QC images as the Current
source and press [View Study].
z Daily QC reports are automatically saved in the Daily QC study

as a secondary screen capture and can be reviewed on Xeleris.
Printing QC Test Results
z If the Ventri computer is connected to a network printer, press

[Print] located at the bottom of the QC report.
z If a printer is not available, pressing [Print] creates a JPEG image

that is saved in the directory d:UtilDb\JPGExport\qc. This
directory is accessible from the Xeleris workstation. This file can
then be printed from the Xeleris workstation. For additional printer
setup information see Modifying Report Printer Settings on
page 13-47.
10–2 Direction 2414308-100, Rev. 3, Copyright© 2006 by GE Healthcare

Quality Control (QC) Reviewing QC & System Setup Reports
Reviewing QC & System Setup Reports
Usage
The Logs panel allows the user to view, print, and export reports to HTML
for diagnostic purposes.
To access the Logs, perform the following:
Global Navigation Screen
Opens System Set-up (see Figure A-1)

System
Setup
Logs Tab Opens Logs panel (see Figure 10-1)
Technologist
and Admin Click Technologist and Admin Reports
Reports
List of NM Daily QC reports appears

NM Daily QC
Double click on the desired QC report to

view.

Reviewing QC & System Setup Reports Quality Control (QC)
Figure 10-1 Logs Panel

Quality Control (QC) QC Data Management
QC Data Management
Table 10-1 Accessing QC Procedure Results
Transfer to Archive
QC Procedure Data Management
Xeleris on Ventri
QC Images
NM Daily QC patient name: Manual yes
NM Daily QC
QC Images
Periodical NM Calibration & QC patient name: Manual yes
NM Periodic QC
Local Database
C.O.R. Test patient name: Manual no
C.O.R. test
QC Images
Bar Phantom Test patient name: Manual yes
Bar Phantom Test

Accessing the Quality Control Utilities Quality Control (QC)
Preparing the Radionuclide Source
Accessing the Quality Control Utilities
System Opens System Set-up (see Figure A-1 on

Setup page A-2)
Procedure Selection Screen
QC Tab Select QC tab if it is not selected
Click the relevant QC procedure
The following QC options are available at the basic logon level:
z NM Daily QC
z Periodical NM Calibration & QC
z C.O.R. Test
Preparation for QC Procedures
Table 10-2 shows the radionuclide sources, source activity, and collimator
that should be used, depending on the QC procedure to be performed.
Source activity units are mCi:
1 mCi=37 MBq
or
27µCi=1 MBq

Quality Control (QC) Preparation for QC Procedures
Table 10-2 Required Sources, Source Activity, and Collimators
Rec.
Source
Count Usage
Activity
Rate Req.
Source
Collim.
NM Daily Period. COR Bar
mCi MBq cc/sec
QC QC Test Phantom
Tc99m ~0.5 18.5 <45 Decoy 9 9 9

Point Source
Co57 ~ 10 to
370-740 <45
LEHR or
9 9 9
Flood Source 20 LEGP
Tc99m ~ 10 to LEHR or
Flood Source 370-740 <45 9 9 9
20 LEGP
(re-fillable)
Tc99m ~1 mCi 37 <15

LEHR or
9
Point Source LEGP
Table 10-3 Source Positioning Requirements
Source Tc99m or Co57 Point with an activity of 0.5mCi
Collimator Decoy
• L QC D1 for Detector 1
• L QC D2 for Detector 2
Start Position
Note: Daily QC is activated separately for each detector, creating a
separate study and report for each detector.
Source At least 2.0 ma from the active detector.

Placement
Rotate gantry so that active detector faces the point source.
a. If distance of 2.0 m is not possible, the point source can be placed closer, but not less
than 1.5 m away from the active detector. Positioning the source so close to the active
detector may affect the QC result.

Preparation for QC Procedures Quality Control (QC)
Note The minimal size of the flood source should be 240 mm x 420mm in order to
provide adequate exposure of the entire FOV and to simplify the positioning of
the flood source between the detectors.
When required in the procedure, the point source should be placed at a

distance of at least 3.0 m from the detector, such that the radiation
uniformly covers the entire field of view.

Quality Control (QC) Daily Quality Control
Daily Quality Control
The Daily Quality Control procedures relevant to the scheduled clinical

scans must be performed before performing the clinical scans.
The time required to perform these procedures is about fifteen minutes.
WARNING
Failing to perform the relevant daily quality control procedure before starting
the corresponding scans may cause non-identification of serious
deterioration in image quality, resulting in misinterpretation of the acquired
images.

NM Daily QC Procedure Quality Control (QC)
Overview
NM Daily QC Procedure
Usage:
The NM Daily Quality Control (QC) procedure should be performed on a

daily basis, preferably each morning prior to performing patient scans.
The NM Daily QC procedure helps check system parameter stability and
verifies that the system is calibrated.
Overview
The QC Report is automatically saved in the Ventri Database, categorized

by the Isotope used.
The Ventri system is supplied with Default QC parameters, which should

not be modified in most cases. In some cases, it may be necessary to
modify parameters based on the type of isotope or the source used and
therefore, the QC Mode. In this case, the modes can be modified. These
modes are referred to as “Home Positions”.
Special Modes have been defined to support performing QC on each

detector separately (LQC D1, LQC D2). The user can define new QC
modes that fit specific conditions using System Configuration
(see Modifying Gantry Modes on page 13-79).

Quality Control (QC) NM Daily QC Procedure
Overview
The table below shows details of a few of the user home positions supplied
by the factory.
Table 10-4 Predefined QC User Home Positions/Modes
Start Positions
Gantry
Usage
Mode Motion
Daily QC for Detector 1,

Detectors - L mode
using a point source
directly above the camera;
LQC D1 Detector 1 at 180°, Detector 2 at 270° -
if source is located
detectors meet at 225°.
elsewhere, this home
Table - fully out of gantry
position must be updated.
Daily QC for Detector 2,
Detectors - L mode
using a point source
directly above the camera;
LQC D2 Detector 1 at 90°, Detector 2 at 180° -
if source is located
detectors meet at 135°.
elsewhere, this home
Table - fully out of gantry
position must be updated.
QC reports can be reviewed any time from the Logs. For more information
on the Logs, refer to page 10-3.
The NM Daily QC procedure includes three distinct steps:
z Selecting the execution parameters
z Running the scans
z Computing and displaying the measured results
The NM Daily QC procedure includes the following tests:
QC Procedure Description
Performed without a radioisotope in the area. Checks whether
Background Rate
there is any radiation in the area that could interfere with
Measurement test
image acquisition.
Energy Peak Position Checks whether peaks are in the correct position and that
and Resolution test energy resolution is acceptable.
Uniformity Test This test checks Flood Field Uniformity Stability (not NEMA).

Self-healing Procedure
The NM Daily QC procedure includes a self-healing procedure which

attempts to automatically resolve image quality problems that are detected
when running this procedure. When image quality deterioration is
detected, a pop-up appears (see Figure 10-2).
Figure 10-2 Self-healing QC Pop-up
When this pop-up appears, the user has the option of stopping Daily QC
and starting NM Periodic QC in order to diagnose (and possibly fix) the
problem. The pop-up also shows the estimated time for NM Periodic QC
to finish. If ignored, the pop-up remains and NM Daily QC continues in
the background. The popup does not close until either [OK] or [Cancel]
are pressed. Any time [OK] is pressed, the self-healing action begins
(even after NM Daily QC is completed).
z To perform NM Periodic QC, press [OK].
NM Periodic QC begins automatically. The Iterative PM

Calibration screen appears after a few seconds.
z To continue with the NM Daily QC procedure, press [Cancel].
NM Daily QC continues.

NM Periodic QC Performed
If NM Periodic QC is performed, at the end of the procedure there are two

possible scenarios:
z The procedure does not solve the problem and a pop-up

recommends calling a Service Engineer (see Figure 10-3).
Figure 10-3 NM Periodic Test Not Acceptable Pop-up
z The image quality problem is resolved.
The NM Daily QC continues. In the event that problems are

detected during the Uniformity Test (part of NM Daily QC), the
following pop-up appears.
Figure 10-4 NM Daily QC Uniformity Test Failure Pop-up

To rebuild the uniformity map (for Tc99m only), perform the following:
1. Press [OK].
The Key Parameters screen for Uniformity Maps appears. Verify that
120,000 kcts is set for Stop on counts.
Note The Self-healing procedure only builds a Uniformity Map for Tc99m.
2. Press [Apply].
3. Press [Start].
Uniformity map creation begins. Wait until Uniformity Map Creation is

completed.
4. Press [Next] and review the report.
5. Press Uniformity Map Creation (left side of screen).
6. Press [Apply]. A new uniformity map is built.
7. To close this screen, press [Close Uniformity Map Creation].
8. Return to NM Daily QC and run the test again.

Performing NM Daily QC
Usage
Used to verify image uniformity stability.
Note The Uniformity test done during NM Daily QC uses a ROI of 1.55 x 1.55 cm2
for the uniformity calculation. The uniformity value received after this procedure
should be used to monitor the uniformity stability of the system.
To run the Uniformity Test according to the NEMA standard NU-2001, refer to
the Acceptance Test Section of the Ventri Service Manual.
During execution of the procedure, look for instructions in the prompt area
(at the top) of the NM Daily QC screen.
The NM Daily QC Test consists of four tests which are part of the NM
Daily QC flow:
QC Procedure Description
The operator should replace the collimator with the decoy

Place Decoy*
collimator.
Performed without a radioisotope in the area. Checks whether

Background Test there is any radiation in the area that could interfere with
image acquisition.
Checks whether peaks are in the correct position and that

Image Quality Test energy resolution is acceptable. This test also checks Flood
Field Uniformity Stability.
The operator should replace the decoy with the standard

Replace Collimator*
collimator.
*Relevant only when Daily QC is performed with Tc99m
Although it is possible to skip the Background Test, it is not recommended

to do so. The Image Quality Test should be performed only after verifying
the background level.

Setup
For Co57
Flood
Source
Mount the collimators to be used (either

Go to Gantry LEHR or LEGP, see Table 10-2).
For Tc99m Source
Mount the Decoy collimators on the

Go to Gantry detectors (see Table 10-2).
Double-click
Image QC
The system displays the Daily QC

[NM Daily
Parameters Dialog for the Background Test
QC]
(see Figure 10-5).
Background Test
Verify that the correct detector(s) is selected

(Both Detectors, Detector 1 or Detector 2).
Verify that correct Start position is
selected.
Note: The duration of the Background Daily

QC Test is directly related to the
Termination Criteria selected.
[Apply]

Go to Gantry
<SET> on The detectors move to the relevant position.

the RCU Wait for motion to stop.
The Background Test starts. It is possible to

view the X, Y, or Energy Spectrum.
[Start] or
<GO>
When the test is completed, confirmation
appears in the prompt area.
[Next] at The Background Test Report appears.

bottom of Review the report (see Reviewing QC Test
screen Results on page 10-23).
Background Test Report
Image
Quality Test The NM Daily QC input dialog opens (see
on left side of Figure 10-6).
screen
Image Quality Test
Verify that the correct Energy Session is

used (either Tc99m or Co57).
Verify that the correct Start Position is

selected (see Table 10-5). It is
recommended to use the same Start
Position that was used for the Background
test.
Verify that the correct Detector parameter

(Both Detectors, Detector 1 or Detector 2) is
selected. The detector that is selected must
be the detector that is radiated by the
source.
Verify that the Stop Condition is 4000 kc.
To modify the default Stop Condition value

(4000 kc), type in the new value and press
<Enter>.
[Apply]

• Press <SET> on the RCU.
The Detectors move to the relevant

position (the position was probably
Go to Gantry reached when performing the
Background Test). Wait for motion to
stop.
• Position the radiation source.
The system starts to acquire data for the QC

Test.
A progress indicator is displayed below the

images.
The test functions are implemented
automatically in the following sequence:
• PHA and Flood STATIC acquisition
begins.
• Peak position, energy resolution and
[Start] or CFOV integral uniformity calculation for
<GO> each Detector.
Notes:
The time required for the Daily QC Test is

directly related to the parameters selected
for Acquisition Total Counts and to the
intensity of the radioactive source.
Acquisition manual stop is provided by

pressing [Stop] or <PAUSE>. The Daily QC
procedure continues to the next step.
QC Report

The QC results appear on the screen. The

input parameters and Detector results are
displayed.
Review the QC report (see Reviewing QC

Test Results on page 10-23).
If NM Daily QC is done for each detector

separately, click on Background Test
(Detector 2).
[Close NM
Daily QC] or To be pressed when NM Daily QC is
[Close completed.
Session]

Figure 10-5 Daily QC Background Test Parameters Dialog

Figure 10-6 Daily QC Parameters

Table 10-5 NM QC Start Positions
Default
Usage Start Position Detector
Configuration
Used for point source for Detector 1 L QC D1

D1
Used for point source for Detector 2 L QC D2

D2

Reviewing QC Test Results
The NM Daily QC Report screen displays the following:
z Input Parameters: Displays parameters selected by user.
z Detector Results: Displays all of the test results for each

detector.
z Comments: The user can add comments relevant to the test.
z Log: Displays system information on start and stop time of tests

and system errors.
Figure 10-7 Daily QC Test Results

Acceptable Results
Table 10-6 Background Test Acceptable Results
L-mode without collimator < 2.5 kc/s
Table 10-7 Image Quality Test Acceptable Results
Isotope Tc99m Co57
Peak Position (keV): 140 ± 3 122 ± 3
Energy resolution (%) < 11.0 < 12.0
CFOV Integral Uniformity (%) <5 <5
Note In case of high background level use a source with a rate 10 times higher than
the background level but not higher than 45 kc/s.
1. Review all the test results. Results that appear in black are those that
passed the acceptance criteria, i.e. are within the limits indicated in
the right column of the results table. Results that appear in red are
those that failed. The NM Daily QC procedure is successful only if
none of the tests failed.
2. If any of the of the tests failed, refer to NM Daily QC Test Failure on

page 10-25.
3. The name that appears in the name field at the top of the screen is
the user login name. To change the name (e.g. if a default logon was
used), type a new name in this field. Click [Save] when done.
4. To add comments to the Comments area, place the cursor in the

comments area and type in comments. Click [Save] when done.
The test results can be accessed at any time from the Logs panel. Refer
to Reviewing QC & System Setup Reports on page 10-3.
Note If Daily NM QC was performed for each detector separately, then a separate
report is created for each detector.

NM Daily QC Test Failure
NM Daily QC Test Failure
If the NM Daily QC test fails, check which test failed and use the recovery
suggested below and repeat the QC procedure.
If the procedure still fails, review the Logs (located in bottom right area of
QC Report Results). If significant error messages appear, contact qualified
GE Service Personnel for assistance.
QC Test Recovery
Verify that the Source is not leaking or that there is no

other source of radiation in the immediate area (such
Background
as an injected patient waiting behind the wall or an
open radioactive source).
If the Peak Position (Energy Peak) test fails, verify that

Peak Position the correct isotope parameter was selected. If the test
fails, perform the Periodical QC test.
FWHM If the test fails, perform the Periodical QC test.
If the Uniformity Stability Test fails, examine the

Uniformity Test images for Detector 1 and Detector 2 and verify that
the radiation source is positioned properly.
If the reason for test failure is not found, perform Periodical NM Calibration
& QC on page 10-35.

QC Trend Analysis
QC Trend Analysis
Usage
The History Browser allows the user to compare system QC reports for
diagnostic purposes.
To access the History Browser, perform the following:
Opens System Set-up (see Figure A-1)

System
Setup
Select Logs tab

Logs Tab
Double-click
History
Browser
Image Opens a list of QC isotopes.

Quality Test
Click on the appropriate isotope. A list of

QC reports for this isotope appears in the
panel on the right.
Select QC reports to be compared in the

panel on the right.
Select the desired filter (see Figure 10-8)
The Browser dialog includes a filter which

Filter allows the user to select reports from
different periods of time (All Dates, Last
Month, Last 2 Weeks, Last Week, Last Day,
Last Hour).

QC Trend Analysis
[Compare
Reports]
Select parameters to compare (see

Figure 10-9)
[Next]
Select the tab for the parameter to view the

trend curve and statistics for the related
parameter (one curve for each detector).
Whenever a range of acceptable results

exists, it is indicated on the graph by two
lines, one red and one green. The graph of
tracked values is represented by a yellow
line and is expected to stay between the two
(red and green) acceptance limits. The
vertical locator can be dragged on the graph
to identify the date of a specific
measurement.
Optional:
Saves the comparison results in an Excel
[Export Raw format (.csv) file.
Data]
Returns to the list of QC reports for the

[Close] selected isotope.

QC Trend Analysis
Figure 10-8 History Browser and Filter

QC Trend Analysis
Figure 10-9 History Browser: Select Parameters to Compare

Archiving QC Reports
Usage:
z To save QC reports for later reference.
z Clear space for QC reports.
System Opens the System Set-up Non-clinical

Setup Utilities (see Figure A-1)
Opens Logs panel (see Figure 10-1)

Logs Tab
Archive QC Double click. Opens Archive QC Data

Data screen.
Archive QC Data Screen
Select type Select either data created by technologist or

of QC data all logins.
Type in Type in name of Archive Location or select

archive using [Browse]. It is recommended to
location archive to a CD.
Clean QC
Options are three months, two months, or
data created
one month, or now (clean all data).
prior to:

Leave reference reports for each utility

Keep (don’t clean) on the computer.
reference
report every: Options are every one week, two weeks,
one month, or not leave any report.
Starts QC Archive. When completed, the

Reports Archive appears, showing a list of
the QC data that has been archived.
[Start]
By default, data is saved in D:\Backup. The
archive name contains the string Backup,
the name of the computer and the date of
the backup.

Figure 10-10 Archive QC Data

Restoring QC Data
Usage:
z Review QC data no longer saved on the disk.
z Analyze trends including QC data no longer saved on disk.
Insert the backup CD-ROM into the drive.
System Opens the System Set-up Non-clinical

Setup Utilities (see Figure A-1)
Logs Tab Select Logs tab (see Figure 10-1)
Double click. Opens Restore QC Data

screen.
Restore QC Data Screen
Type in Select data to be restored.

archive name
to be
restored or
select using
[Browse]
Starts QC Restore. When completed, a list

of the QC data that has been restored
[Start]
appears.

Figure 10-11 Restore QC Data Screen With Browse Selected

Quality Control (QC) Periodical NM Calibration & QC
Description
Periodical NM Calibration & QC
Usage:
z Periodically used to re-calibrate the photomultiplier gain and to

verify the image uniformity.
z Should be performed only if NM Daily QC is close to the failure

limit.
Description
Periodical NM Calibration & QC is a crucial procedure which permits the

user to obtain full performance from the Ventri system. This procedure
should be performed periodically with an adequate source.
The Periodical NM Calibration & QC performs all of the tests in the NM

Daily QC procedure plus Iterative Gain Calibration. During Iterative Gain
Calibration (Iter) the photo-multipliers gain is re-calibrated. This calibration
is automatically performed when Calibration and Image Quality test is
started. The test time is approximately ten minutes.
The Periodical NM Calibration and QC utility includes five distinct stages:
z Place Decoy–Relevant only when Daily QC is performed with

Tc99m. The operator should replace the collimator with the decoy
collimator.
z Background Test
z Source Positioning Acquisition
z Calibration and Image Quality Test
z Replace collimator– Relevant only when Daily QC is performed

with Tc99m. The operator should replace the decoy with the
standard collimator.
The Calibration and Image Quality Test runs automatic functions in the
following sequence:
z Iterative Radioactive Calibration.
z PHA and Flood STATIC acquisition
z Peak position, energy resolution and CFOV integral uniformity

calculation

Periodical NM Calibration & QC Quality Control (QC)
Periodical NM Calibration & QC Execution
This procedure is performed for each detector independently or for both

detectors simultaneously.
To access the Periodical NM Calibration and QC procedure, click on

System Setup. Select the QC tab and then double-click Periodical NM
Calibration & QC. For additional information refer to Accessing the
Quality Control Utilities on page 10-6.
The isotope selected during system installation will be selected by default.

Important
Changing this selection can cause calibration problems.
Do not change this selection without consulting your service representative.
This procedure can be run with a Tc99m source or with a Co57 source.
Important
However, it is strongly recommended to always use the same isotopes (Tc99m
or Co57) and not to switch between the isotopes.
Tc99m is the only isotope to use with the Decoy Collimators.
The recommended count rate should be less then 45 kc/s
Note The Source Positioning Acquisition stage can be skipped if the operator is
experienced with the appropriate positioning of the source for achieving a
favorable calibration.

Setup
For Co57
Source
Mount the collimators to be used (either

Go to Gantry LEHR or LEGP, see Table 10-2).
For Tc99m Source
Mount the Decoy collimators on the

Go to Gantry detectors (see Table 10-2).
Double-click
Image QC
Periodical The system displays the Periodical NM

NM Calibration & QC Parameters Dialog for the
Calibration & Background Test
QC
Background Test
Verify that the correct detector(s) is

selected. (Both Detectors, Detector 1 or
Detector 2).
Note: The duration of the Background Daily

QC Test is directly related to the
Termination Criteria selected.
[Apply]
Go to Gantry

<SET> on The detectors move to the relevant position

the RCU (in H or L mode). Wait for motion to stop.
The Background Test starts. It is possible to

view the X, Y, or Energy Spectrum.
[Start] or
<GO>
When the test is completed, confirmation
appears in the prompt area.
[Next] at The Background Test Report appears.

bottom of Review the report (see Reviewing QC Test
screen Results on page 10-23).
Source
Positioning
The system displays the Source position
Acq.
Acq. Parameters Dialog.
on left side of
screen

selected (see Table 10-5).

source.
[Apply]
• Press <SET> on the RCU.
Go to Gantry The Detectors move to the relevant

position. Wait for motion to stop.
• Position the radiation source.
The system starts to acquire data for PHA

and Flood STATIC acquisition.
The purpose of this image is to ensure

adequate exposure of the entire FOV. If
[Start] or necessary, modify the position of the source
<GO> and press [Clear].
When FOV exposure is considered

satisfactory, press [Stop].
The procedure continues to the next step.

[Next] at
bottom of Ignore the results of this report.
screen
Calibration
& Image
The system displays the Calibration &
Quality Test
Image Quality Test Parameters Dialog
on left side of
screen

selected (see Table 10-5).

source.
[Next] at
bottom of The [Start] button is enabled.
screen
The utility performs an automatic sequence:

• Iterative Radioactive Calibration.
[Start] or
<GO> • PHA and Flood STATIC acquisition
• Peak position, energy resolution and
CFOV integral uniformity calculation
If the calibration is done for each detector

separately, repeat the procedure for
Detector 2.
When completed, the Calibration and Image

Quality Test Results appear. Review test
results.
[Close NM
Daily QC] or To be pressed when Periodical NM
[Close Calibration is completed.
Session]

Periodical NM Calibration Test Results
Periodical NM Calibration Test Results
Review the QC report that appears at the end of the test. The test report
that appears has the same format as the NM Daily QC Test.
Table 10-8 Periodical NM Calibration Acceptable Results
Isotope Tc99m Co57
Peak Position [keV] 140 ± 2 keV 122 ± 2 keV
Energy Resolution [%] < 11.0 < 12.0
CFOV Integral Uniformity [%] <5 <5
Note The tolerance for the Peak Position is different from NM Daily QC tolerance.
For additional information refer to Reviewing QC Test Results on

page 10-23 and QC Reports and Images on page 10-2

Quality Control (QC) C.O.R. Test
C.O.R. Test
Usage:
In order to reconstruct tomographic images, it is essential that the multiple

views be accurately back projected to the location of origin. Rather than
require perfection of mechanical motion, a method is provided to calibrate
the projection location based on observed image location. This calibration
is referred to as COR correction calibration.
This test is used to check the Center of Rotation correction of the Gantry
and the detectors.
The following source and collimator should be used:
Radioactive Source Activity Collimator
Tc99m or Co57 Point Source 0.8 – ~1 mCi LEHR or LEGP
The test should be performed once a week or according to local

regulations.

C.O.R. Test Quality Control (QC)
Source Positioning for C.O.R. Test
Select QC tab if it is not selected

QC Tab
Opens the folder.

C.O.R. QC
The Source Positioning Key Parameters

C.O.R. Test screen appears. The Start position should
be L QC D1.
Source
Positioning
Acq. under
Verify that the correct parameters are
COR Test
selected.
L-mode (left
side of
screen)
Source Positioning Key Parameters Screen
Corrections Verify that the correct parameters (energy

Tab session & collimators) are selected.
The C.O.R. Calibration Source Position

[Apply] screen appears.
<SET> Wait until automatic motion is completed.

on RCU

Adjust the source position so that its image

is inside the red circle (ROI) on both
detectors.
Use the following tips in order to position the

source within the circles:
• Verify that <SET> was pressed on the
RCU.
• Verify that detector radius was not
changed.
• In order to shift the y axis position, use
the table IN/OUT motion.
• In order to shift the x axis position, use
the table UP/DOWN motion.
• If only one detector is corrected, verify
that the source is positioned in the
center of the table.
Source Position Acquisition begins.
The purpose of this acquisition is to confirm

adequate source position. In addition you
[Start]
may need to determine the time per
projection in the following Tomo Acquisition.
If the source is very strong, you can use a
lower time per projection value.
When done, press [Cancel] to stop and

[Cancel] discard the acquisition.

C.O.R. Test Procedure
Source Positioning Key Parameters Screen
COR Test
Acquisition
under COR The Acquisition Key Parameters screen
Test L-mode appears (see Figure 10-12).
(left side of
screen)
Verify that the correct parameters are

selected. Modify parameters, if necessary
(e.g. set Stop on Time per projection
according to: for about 5 kc/s rate per
detector set 5 sec per projection)
Select the correct energy session (Co57 or
Tc99m)
Note: The radius will be automatically set
later.
[Apply]
<GO> on the Acquisition begins. Wait until acquisition

RCU ends (Progress Bar shows 100%).
COR Test
The C.O.R. Test Processing screen
Processing
appears. Select the appropriate image. The
(left side of
default is the latest acquired image.
screen)
The C.O.R. Test Results are displayed (see

Figure 10-13 and Figure 10-14). See
[Next]
Reviewing C.O.R. Test Results on
page 10-47
The next C.O.R. Test Results Report

[Next] appears. Results that are outside the
allowed values are marked in red.

Note The Source Positioning Acquisition stage can be skipped if the operator is
experienced with the appropriate positioning of the source for achieving a
favorable calibration.
Figure 10-12 C.O.R. Test Acquisition Key Parameters

Figure 10-13 C.O.R. Test Processing—Graphs

Reviewing C.O.R. Test Results
Figure 10-14 C.O.R. Test Processing—Tables
z The graphs of x and y deviations are displayed on the first page.

The yellow lines represent a visual reference range. The graphs
of detector 1 appear in blue while detector 2 is red.
z The second page contains the table with measured COR Residual
values, derived by computation from the above graphs.
z Check in the test report whether X and Y residuals for both

detectors are acceptable as shown below.

The following results are acceptable:
| Delta X1 | = < 0.5 mm
| Delta X2 | = < 0.5 mm
| Delta Y2 | = < 0.5 mm
Note Delta Y1 is always 0 (i.e. Delta Y for Detector 1)

Quality Control (QC) Bar Phantom Test
Bar Phantom Test
Usage:
Periodically used to test the system resolution and to verify the image
quality.
Double-click
Image QC
[Bar
Phantom
Test]
Bar Phantom Test
User is instructed to replace the Imaging

Collimator with the Bar Phantom.
Bar Verify that the correct detector(s) is selected

Phantom (Detector 1 or Detector 2). Verify that
Acq (Det 1) correct Start position is selected.
(left side of
screen)
[Apply]
Go to Gantry
<SET> on The detectors move to the relevant position.

the RCU Wait for motion to stop.

Bar Phantom Test Quality Control (QC)
The Bar Phantom Acquisition starts.

[Start] or
<GO> When the acquisition is completed,
confirmation appears in the prompt area.
The Bar Phantom Test Report appears.

[Next] at
Review the Bar Phantom acquired image.
bottom of
Verify that the lines appear clearly in all four
screen
quarters of the image (see Figure 10-14).
Replace
Collimator Replace the Bar Phantom with the Imaging
(left side of Collimator
screen)
Perform test for second detector
Figure 10-15 Bar Phantom Test Report


10 Quality Control

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10 Quality Control

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Chapter 10 – Quality Control (QC)

Failing to perform the QC procedures as specified in this chapter may cause

The information in this chapter is given in the following order:

z QC Reports and Images on page 10-2

z Printing QC Test Results on page 10-2

z Reviewing QC & System Setup Reports on page 10-3

z Accessing the Quality Control Utilities on page 10-6.

z Daily Quality Control on page 10-9

z Periodical NM Calibration & QC on page 10-35

z C.O.R. Test on page 10-41

z Bar Phantom Test on page 10-49

Once a QC procedure is opened, a list of test procedures automatically appears

Direction 2414308-100, Rev. 3, Copyright© 2006 by GE Healthcare 10–1

QC Reports and Images

z The QC report is automatically saved on the Ventri and can be

z QC reports can be printed to a Windows printer attached to the

z QC reports can be archived using the QC Archive utility. See

z QC images are saved to the Ventri database and can be

z It is possible to review QC studies from the Data Management

z Daily QC reports are automatically saved in the Daily QC study

Printing QC Test Results

z If the Ventri computer is connected to a network printer, press

z If a printer is not available, pressing [Print] creates a JPEG image

10–2 Direction 2414308-100, Rev. 3, Copyright© 2006 by GE Healthcare

Reviewing QC & System Setup Reports

To access the Logs, perform the following:

Global Navigation Screen

Opens System Set-up (see Figure A-1)

Logs Tab Opens Logs panel (see Figure 10-1)

List of NM Daily QC reports appears

Double click on the desired QC report to

Direction 2414308-100, Rev. 3, Copyright© 2006 by GE Healthcare 10–3

Figure 10-1 Logs Panel

10–4 Direction 2414308-100, Rev. 3, Copyright© 2006 by GE Healthcare

Table 10-1 Accessing QC Procedure Results

Direction 2414308-100, Rev. 3, Copyright© 2006 by GE Healthcare 10–5

Accessing the Quality Control Utilities

Global Navigation Screen

System Opens System Set-up (see Figure A-1 on

Procedure Selection Screen

QC Tab Select QC tab if it is not selected

Click the relevant QC procedure

The following QC options are available at the basic logon level:

z Periodical NM Calibration & QC

Preparation for QC Procedures

Preparing the Radionuclide Source

Source activity units are mCi:

10–6 Direction 2414308-100, Rev. 3, Copyright© 2006 by GE Healthcare

Table 10-2 Required Sources, Source Activity, and Collimators

Tc99m ~0.5 18.5 <45 Decoy 9 9 9

Tc99m ~1 mCi 37 <15

Table 10-3 Source Positioning Requirements

Source Tc99m or Co57 Point with an activity of 0.5mCi

Source At least 2.0 ma from the active detector.

Direction 2414308-100, Rev. 3, Copyright© 2006 by GE Healthcare 10–7

When required in the procedure, the point source should be placed at a

10–8 Direction 2414308-100, Rev. 3, Copyright© 2006 by GE Healthcare

Daily Quality Control

The Daily Quality Control procedures relevant to the scheduled clinical

The time required to perform these procedures is about fifteen minutes.

Direction 2414308-100, Rev. 3, Copyright© 2006 by GE Healthcare 10–9

The NM Daily Quality Control (QC) procedure should be performed on a

The QC Report is automatically saved in the Ventri Database, categorized