Quality Control

 

The interpreting radiologist has to ensure that the quality of the images being reviewed is of acceptable standard.  

 

It must be stressed that images at the reviewing site can only be as good as the images generated at the acquisition site. It is imperative that a radiologist should visit the acquision site to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly and the technologists are adequately supervised and trained.

 

Both the acquisition and reviewing sites must have documented policies and prodedures for monitoring and evaluating the effective anagement, safety, proper performance of imaging, transmitting, receiving and display equipment.

 

The quality control program is designed to mininize patient, personal and public risks, and to maximize the quality of the diagnostic information.  Equipment performance ust be monitored at intervals consistent with proper quality control.

 

Important parameters must be accompanying the transmitted study when used for the official authenticated written interpretation. These will include, at a minimum, the matrix size, bit depth, compression (if used), and what kind of image processing, if any, was used (edge enhancement etc.).

 

With the increasing use of PACS technology, radiologists ensure that the institutions identify and train PACS administrators (image management specialist).  Their responsibility includes the monitoring of quality and confidentiality of transmitted images and to maintain a viable system.

 

The increased use of networking also allows for remote auditing and peer review when required.