WE-C-213A-01: ACR MRI Accreditation: Medical Physicist Role in the Application Process

Abstract

The medical physicist plays an important role in several aspects of the ACR MRI accreditation program. In 2008 significant program changes were made. The new program is modular so that facilities can apply for accreditation in any or all of six clinical modules depending on the practice. Each of the modules allows flexible protocol choices for clinical image submission, while setting minimum requirements for spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and total scan time. Two phantoms are now available to allow accreditation of both large bore magnets and small bore orthopedic MRI systems. During the application or renewal process the physicist can provide expertise to MRI facilities by acquiring the phantom images and assessing whether phantom image quality will meet ACR requirements. When image quality measures fall below standards, the physicist can identify the cause and offer recommendations for corrective action. In addition, prior to acquiring clinical images for accreditation, the physicist can determine whether the site's clinical protocols provide adequate spatial and temporal resolution. Learning Objectives: 1. Present an overview of the new modular ACR MRI Accreditation program as it applies to phantom image acquisition for accreditation application. 2. Discuss phantom image quality failures, possible causes and potential remedies. 3. Provide advice for avoiding common pitfalls in the phantom image submission process.