Quality Control and Standardization of Nuclear Medicine/NM/Procedures. Final Report for the Period 1 December 1979-31 October 1984

摘要

The objective of this investigation was to determine what quality control measures were practised in in-vitro and in-vivo nuclear medicine laboratories in Poland, to determine how reliable the nuclear medicine procedures conducted in these laboratories were, and to stimulate improvements in quality control. Surveys were conducted to identify laboratories, equipment, procedures, and costs relating to nuclear medicine in Poland. In radioimmunoassay, a conventional-type external quality assessment (EQA) scheme was set up and implemented. Four sets of freeze-dried serum samples were distributed to about 60 laboratories, which measured and reported results for up to 10 hormones. Variability of reported results fell in ranges typical for such EQA schemes, and was judged to be unacceptably large for several hormones. In radiopharmacy, tests were made of nationally produced sup 99 Tcsup(m) generators and ''cold kits'' for preparation of 6 of the more common radiopharmaceuticals. It was concluded that with the latter, improvements in the completeness of binding of the label were desirable. Few laboratories practised routine quality control of their radiopharmaceuticals; guidelines were prepared as to recommended practice, but were widely ignored. In imaging, tests were made of the performance of gamma cameras and scanners in the major laboratories. Most were found to be in need of adjustment in order to optimize their performance. Beyond revealing the current situation with regard to quality control in Polish nuclear medicine laboratories, the most important result of the investigation was probably to stimulate an awareness of quality control on the part of staff in these laboratories. (Atomindex citation 17:002842)