Adult Gamma Camera Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Diagnostic Reference Levels and Achievable Administered Activities Derived From ACR Accreditation Data
Recommended Citation
Becker MD, Butler PF, Bhargavan-Chatfield M, Harkness BA, Metter D, MacFarlane CR, Ghesani M, Wilcox P, and Oates ME. Adult gamma camera myocardial perfusion imaging: Diagnostic reference levels and achievable administered activities derived from ACR accreditation data. J Am Coll Radiol 2016; 13(6):688-695.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2016
Publication Title
J Am Coll Radiol
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to glean from accreditation surveys of US nuclear medicine facilities the in-practice radiopharmaceutical diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) and achievable administered activities (AAAs) for adult gamma camera myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).
METHODS: Data were collected from the ACR Nuclear Medicine Accreditation Program during one three-year accreditation cycle from May 1, 2012, to April 30, 2015. Data elements included radiopharmaceutical, administered activity, examination protocol, interpreting physician specialty, practice type, and facility annual examination volume. Facility demographics, DRLs, and AAAs were tabulated for analysis.
RESULTS: The calculated DRLs and AAAs are consistent with previously published surveys, and they adhere to national societal guidelines. Facilities seeking ACR accreditation are nearly evenly split between hospital based with multiple gamma cameras and office based with single gamma cameras. The majority of facilities use single-day, low-dosage/high-dosage (99m)Tc-based protocols; a small minority use (201)TlCl protocols. Administered activities show a consistency across facilities, likely reflecting adoption of standard MPI protocols.
CONCLUSIONS: This practice-based analysis provides DRL and AAA benchmarks that nuclear medicine facilities may use to refine gamma camera MPI protocols. In general, the protocols submitted for ACR accreditation are consistent with national societal guidelines. The results suggest that there may be opportunities to further reduce patient radiation exposure by using modified examination protocols and newer gamma camera software and hardware technologies.
Medical Subject Headings
Accreditation; Adult; Gamma Cameras; Humans; Myocardial Perfusion Imaging; Nuclear Medicine; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Radiation Exposure; Radiopharmaceuticals; Reference Values; Societies, Medical; Software; Specialty Boards; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States
PubMed ID
27131619
Volume
13
Issue
6
First Page
688
Last Page
695
