Detectors
For detectors, image quality should be evaluated with and without flood (uniformity) corrections as well as evaluating spatial resolution. Intrinsic and extrinsic flood field images should be evaluated and bar phantom spatial resolution tested on a regular schedule. Collimator uniformity should be assessed and the collimator inspected for damage. Accurate center-of-rotation verification is critical to ensure quality 3D image reconstructions. Performing flood corrections eliminates residual detector non-uniformities and additionally corrects for subtle collimator defects. Detector calibrations should be archived on a regular basis.

Software

Original and optional software installation media should be safely maintained for potential future needs. Archiving software configurations and defaults is recommended as a best practice. HIPAA regulations and their implications must be considered when any form of drive duplication is utilized.

Partnering with experienced service professionals
Given the breadth and depth of expertise required for SPECT camera maintenance, only a highly experienced, technically proficient service organization can ensure that your team is operating at the highest productivity and producing the highest quality images possible. Here are five crucial questions that nuclear imaging professionals should ask when defining requirements for a SPECT camera maintenance vendor.

1. Is the SPECT service provider truly familiar with the technologies, maintenance procedures, and service schedules associated with all our systems? Service should be performed by field-service engineers specifically trained in nuclear medicine and on your SPECT camera. The vendor should have broad experience with the major OEM’s and several niche manufacturers.

2. What level of responsiveness can I expect from my service provider? Make sure the active service hours are adequate for your operating profile. The first step is to determine the necessary turn-around time required, which may vary according to patient study volume, hospital policy, availability of onsite back-up systems, and local alternative imaging facilities. Establish the appropriate “Expected ETA,” from service call to qualified technician arriving at the facility, and don’t compromise! Check the service provider’s customers to see how responsive they are.

3. Can I manage my service costs by shaping my plan, rather than under-provisioning? Cost is always a factor affecting a department’s ability to establish an optimal level of affordable service and support. A provider’s range of service plan types must fit the service need profile. Beware of one-size-fits-all approaches. A service provider should offer a range of options, from full service plans to plans that focus on preventive actions or emergency service only plans. Plans should be suitable for all your different systems: for installations with multiple SPECT cameras, it may make no sense to have the same service contract for every system. Older cameras may require extra coverage. Alternatively, a source of quality reconditioned parts may be the right answer for some customers.

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