Intrinsic uniformity and relative sensitivity quality control tests for single-head gamma cameras.

OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the best parameters for rapid performance of daily quality control testing of intrinsic uniformity and relative sensitivity for the single-head gamma-camera system in our nuclear medicine department. METHODS The effects of the following parameters on intrinsic uniformity were studied: gamma source activity, number of acquired counts for the flood image, source-to-camera distance, image matrix size, and source volume. The dead time of the system was determined experimentally using the two-source method for accurate calculation of relative sensitivity. RESULTS A set of parameters for rapid performance of daily gamma-camera intrinsic uniformity and relative sensitivity was determined. The dead time of our gamma-camera system was found to be 4.5 +/- 0.2 micros. CONCLUSION With our recommended parameters, the intrinsic uniformity and relative sensitivity quality control testing can be performed in 5-6 min. The dead time of each gamma-camera system must be determined experimentally in each nuclear medicine department.