Abstract
Physics testing necessary for program accreditation is rigorously defined by the ACR. This testing is easily applied to most conventional SPECT systems based on gamma camera technology. The inSPira HD is a dedicated head SPECT system based on a rotating dual clamshell design that acquires data in a dual‐spiral geometry. The unique geometry and configuration force alterations of the standard ACR physics testing protocol. Various tests, such as intrinsic planar uniformity and/or resolution, do not apply. The Data Spectrum Deluxe Phantom used for conventional SPECT testing cannot fit in the inSPira HD scanner bore, making (currently) unapproved use of the Small Deluxe SPECT Phantom necessary. Matrix size, collimator type, scanning time, reconstruction method, and attenuation correction were all varied from the typically prescribed ACR instructions. Visible spheres, sphere contrast, visible rod groups, uniformity, and root mean square (RMS) noise were measured. The acquired SPECT images surpassed the minimum ACR requirements for both spatial resolution (9.5 mm spheres resolved) and contrast (6.4 mm rod groups resolved). Sphere contrast was generally high. Integral uniformity was 4% and RMS noise was 1.7%. Noise appeared more correlated than in images from a conventional SPECT scanner. Attenuation‐corrected images produced from direct CT scanning of the phantom and a manufacturer supplied model of the phantom demonstrated negligible differences.PACS numbers: 87.57.C‐, 87.57.uh, 87.63.lj
Highlights
The inSPira HD (Neurologica, Danvers, MA) is a dedicated head single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system that differs substantially from conventional SPECT scanners in both scanning geometry and hardware configuration
The purpose of this study is to present our experience testing the inSPira HD for American College of Radiology (ACR)
In contrast to the conventional SPECT system, the Neurologica inSPira HD consists of two clamshells (Fig. 1) creating a 29 cm diameter bore similar to a small CT scanner (Fig. 2)
Summary
The Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) requires ongoing accreditation of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and other advanced diagnostic imaging services, starting on January 1, 2012, in order for the provider to receive reimbursement for such services.(1) The American College of Radiology (ACR) is a recognized accrediting body under MIPPA. In addition to other requirements, the ACR mandates each SPECT scanner pass minimum thresholds on specific image quality and equipment tests in order for a facility to receive nuclear medicine accreditation.(2-4). The inSPira HD (Neurologica, Danvers, MA) is a dedicated head SPECT system that differs substantially from conventional SPECT scanners in both scanning geometry and hardware configuration. These differences force deviations from the standard ACR protocol during physics testing. The purpose of this study is to present our experience testing the inSPira HD for ACR accreditation, emphasizing specific difficulties and areas where the testing methodology differs substantially from the standard ACR protocol. ACR testing results and results of several quantitative tests performed using the images acquired for ACR testing are reported
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