TU‐SAM‐304A‐01: ACR MRI Accreditation Program Update

Abstract

In October 2008 the American College of Radiology (ACR) expanded the MRI accreditation program to six modules (body, head, MR angiography (MRA), spine, muskuloskeletal and cardiac). The new program enables accreditation of dedicated MR systems, such as those used only for neuro or cardiac imaging, as well as accreditation of special‐purpose MR scanners, such as orthopedic systems. The program introduces a second, smaller ACR phantom, to be used for accreditation and quality control of these small bore orthopedic MR systems.ACR MRI accreditation is now available for a wide range of MRI system configurations and clinical uses. The expansion of the program presents a challenge to the medical physicist, who needs to be aware of which ACR phantom and coil to use for phantom image acquisition, as well as how to address specific image quality issues.Learning Objectives:1. Present the requirements of the new six‐module ACR MRI accreditation program.2. Discuss the medical physicist/MRI scientist qualifications and CME requirements.3. Describe small and large phantom image acquisition and analysis.4. Discuss considerations for low field, 3T, dedicated and special purpose MRI systems in the accreditation and phantom image evaluation process.