Optimal Imaging in Nuclear Medicine

The required diagnostic information needs to be obtained whilst giving the minimum radiation dose to the patient and minimising the time taken, the cost, and the inconvenience. These several requirements can conflict, and the keys to optimal imaging are: (1) choose the best radiopharmaceutical and administer an appropriate activity; (2) choose the collimator for the required resolution; (3) ensure that the imaging equipment is functioning optimally; (4) make the most of the photons by using a good technique; and (5) display the results in a manner which makes the best use of the information. A programme of quality assurance should cover all aspects of the service; the organisation and training; the quality control of materials and equipment; and the quality of clinical reporting. Tomographic techniques demand particular attention to quality control. Positron emission tomography (PET) can now be performed with dual-headed gamma cameras, but these are far less sensitive than multi-detector systems. The correct choice of image display parameters is vital, and there are many potential pitfalls.