Thus, our application complements camera-specific manufacturers’ software by providing an independent analysis platform for cameras of diverse types and makers. Our software, named Nuclear-Medicine-QC (NMQC), allows multiple types of QC test data to be analyzed within a single application and enables the comparison of different cameras in a uniform way. To circumvent this problem, we have developed a software application that implements the basic scintillation camera QC analyses, as described in the most recent NEMA standard. Additionally, manufacturer-provided QC software is usually camera-specific this means that often data from two different cameras cannot be analyzed by the same program, even if both cameras were built by the same manufacturer. The lack of such software poses a major challenge in the clinical environment as, in the majority of cases, the QC analysis is done using programs supplied by the camera manufacturer, many times without a guarantee of NEMA compliance. However, the fair comparison of different systems requires not only standardized acquisition practices but also that analysis be done with standardized data processing software. The results of tests performed according to NEMA recommendations allow for easy monitoring and reporting of camera performance, comparison of different systems, and/or creation of consistent QC protocols. The latest of the NEMA standards for single-photon emission computed tomography cameras is NU-1 2001. To standardize these tests, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) regularly compiles documents that describe how to perform, analyze, and report QC tests for scintillation cameras. Additionally, QC tests may be performed to compare characteristics of different systems and to optimize the quality of clinical studies. The purpose of these tests is to monitor day-to-day camera performance and detect changes from the baseline values. Later, over a camera’s entire period of clinical operation, hospital technicians and/or physicists regularly perform various QC tests-some daily, others weekly, monthly, or yearly. After camera installation, the broadest and most complete QC assessments or “acceptance tests” are done to ensure the correct performance of the system, verify its compliance with the published (or manufacturers’) specifications, and establish the benchmark conditions for all future measurements. Depending on the objectives, the extent and scope of these tests varies. Therefore, special series of quality control (QC) tests have been designed to ensure optimal camera performance. The flawless performance of nuclear medicine cameras is of paramount importance for the accuracy of clinical diagnostic studies because any malfunction may create image artifacts and alter patient diagnoses.
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