More than 30 people attended the March online meeting of the SPR Radiological Protection Study Group. Headed by Physicist Renato Dimenstein, he spoke about the challenges for implementing the Brazilian Resolution RDC 330, that is, the processes that guarantee quality: Patient safety, quality assurance and adequate instruments.

There were 5 points addressed:

• Ultrasound;
• Magnetic Resonance;
• Digital X-rays;
• Fluoroscopy;
• Tomography.

Ultrasound

Tests performed: Contrast resolution, distance accuracy, maximum viewing depth, anechoic object evaluation, and perception, uniformity. In this case, ANVISA recommends tests and periodicity and tolerance. Quality assurance x quality test required.

Magnetic Resonance

Control test and patient safety required, such as restricted area warning. He talked about the sources of risk and effects on the human body. Simulators for quality control.

Tests performed: Field homogeneity RM control test (image acquisition – care with different types of matrix depending on the device), geometric distortion, high contrast resolution, precision, cut thickness, image uniformity, detection of low contrast objects, and ghost test.

Digital X-rays

In this case, patient safety depends on continuing education, according to the physicist. Tests performed: performance evaluation, generator evaluation, x-ray tube evaluation, AEC tests, uniformity, detector evaluation, resolution, contrast scale, exposure indexes, IE test, skin entry dose, and DAP test.

Fluoroscopy

Tests performed: low and high contrast resolution and periodic geometric distortion.

Tomography

Resolution, cut thickness, low contrast are important. Tests performed: acceptance, constancy, and dose modulation.

Finally, Dimenstein recalled the fundamental questions:

1. Proper use of equipment;
2. Establish some criteria for the applicability of the standards;
3. Paradigm between equipment testing and quality assurance.