Section 325.5719. Initial and annual medical physicist performance evaluations.

 (1)  A medical physicist shall complete an  initial  performance evaluation of the CT scanner  before use  on  human  patients  and  annually thereafter.

(2)     A calibrated dosimetry system shall be used to measure the radiation output of a CT scanner. Calibration of the dosimetry system shall be within the preceding 24 months and shall be traceable  to  a national  standard  as specified in R 325.5703(2)(j).

(3)     A performance evaluation should include the following:

(a)    Alignment light accuracy.

(b)     Alignment of table to gantry.

(c)     Table and gantry tilt.

(d)    Slice localization from scanned projection radiograph.

(e)     Table increment accuracy.

(f)    )  Slice thickness.

(g)     Image quality, including the following:

(i)     High-contrast resolution.

(ii)     Low-contrast resolution.

(iii)     Image uniformity.

(iv)     Noise.

(v)     Artifact evaluation.

(h)     CT number accuracy and linearity.

(i)     Dosimetry, including the following:

(i)     Dose indicator such as computed tomography dose index (CTDI).

(ii)     Patient radiation dose for representative examinations.

(j)     Safety evaluation, including the following:

(i)     Visual inspection.

(ii)     Audible and visual signals.

(iii)     Posting requirements.

(iv)     Scattered radiation measurements.

(k)      Review of the ongoing quality control program, including test  results and corrective action.

(4)     The medical physicist shall prepare a report that includes all of the following:

(a)     )  A summary of the performance evaluation required under subrule (1)  of this rule.

(b)     Recommendations for necessary improvements, if any.

(c)     Type of dosimetry system used, including the date of the last calibration.

(5)     The report required under subrule (4) of this rule shall  be   provided to the CT facility within 30 days after completion of the evaluation.

History: 2011 AACS.