SErIES IAEA HumAn HEAltH SErIES IAEA Hum

(f)
(g)
Performance criteria for all the tests, ideally both remedial and suspension
levels;
The corrective actions necessary when the performance criteria are not met:
—The type of corrective action,
—The time-frame for corrective action,
—Verification that corrective action has been effective.
The records of QC test results and corrective actions taken should be readily
available.
5.1.3.4. Equipment replacement policy
Equipment that is old, obsolete or poorly maintained may fail to give the
required image quality for effective diagnosis, give excessive doses to patients or
be dangerous as an electrical or mechanical hazard.
Severely defective equipment must be put out of service. If only a limited
number of components of the equipment are defective, the equipment may be
allowed to operate in a limited capacity, provided that the overall performance of
the equipment is not impaired. Equipment with minor defects may be used for a
limited period until repair is possible, as long as its use does not significantly
degrade image quality or create a significant hazard to patients or staff.
A policy should exist for the timely repair and/or replacement of defective
equipment.
5.1.4. Optimization in clinical practice
Optimization of image quality and patient dose is a dynamic process that
aims to give sufficient diagnostic image quality with minimum doses to patients.
Optimization involves inputs from the radiological medical practitioner,
radiographer and medical physicist. The procedure used for examination
optimization should be documented.
While all imaging examinations should be optimized, the following require
special attention:
—Computed tomography examinations;
—Screening programmes (e.g. mammography);
—Interventional or procedural examinations;
—Examinations involving infants or children;
—Examinations involving pregnant patients;
—Volunteers for research (if applicable).
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