Quality control of scintillation cameras using a minicomputer.

A minicomputer-based technique compiles objective indicators of scintigraphic system performance. The evaluation begins with the acquisition of a single image of an orthogonal hole pattern from which quantitative and regional measurements of point-source sensitivity, spatial resolution, and spatial linearity are derived. Two computer programs offer the user different but complementary features. The first program is the basis of an evaluation performed by a technologist for purposes of quality control. Operator intervention is minimal, and the entire protocol, including data acquisition and processing, can be completed in 20 min. The results are automatically compiled and displayed as graphs showing 100 consecutive sets of daily performance measurements. A second computer program is designed as an interactive diagnostic and research tool to display measurements as histograms and functional images. The operator can use the program to determine the quantitative and spatial characteristics of the system's intrinsic performance measurements made during the quality-control evaluations.