Quality and Quantity Assessment of Tomographic Exams That Can Be Performed on Existing Hybrid Equipment at Botucatu Medical School Nuclear Medicine Services

Abstract

Computed Tomography (CT) has been one of the greatest innovations for medical diagnosis. Among the main features of CT is its ability to provide high-quality anatomical and functional images. Other important imaging modalities are the ones conducted in Nuclear Medicine (NM), which, with the use of radiotracers, makes it possible to obtain metabolic and molecular images in vivo. The union of NM and CT imaging modalities is possible through hybrid equipment. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the quality and quantity of tomographic exams that can be performed in hybrid equipment. To complete this research analyzes of the ability to perform CT exams in the room that holds a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/ Computed Tomography SPECT/CT equipment in an NM facility were carried out. The evaluation criteria were: equipment quality control, image quality assessment by a subjective method as per European Guidelines on Quality Criteria for Computed Tomography (EUR), and assessment of shielding of the room, as an indicator of how many exams can be performed. Considering the results of the barrier thickness, the Botucatu Medical School and Nuclear Medicine facility is capable of performing 100 tomography exams per week. According to information obtained in the facility, currently, approximately 20 scans are performed weekly, so there is an increased opportunity of up to 80 exams weekly. Therefore, the hybrid equipment is qualified to perform diagnostic tests with superior image quality, compared to those performed in CT equipment.