Specification, acceptance testing and quality control: an outline of some problems in testing gamma camera systems

Three classes of test procedures for gamma camera systems are discussed and distinguished; specification tests, acceptance tests and quality control measurements. There are two philosophies in setting test specifications. The first is to consider the device as a black box and to measure overall physical parameters in an environment akin to that used in clinical practice. The second is to divide the instrument into small, conceptually simple items to which simple tests are then applied. The advantages and disadvantages of each philosophy are discussed. It is concluded that the type of test used needs to be selected carefully and that the ability to relate one type of test back to a more fundamental test is vital. It is suggested that a working group be established with the aim of defining more appropriate guidelines especially with respect to the increasing use of computers in image processing. (U.K.)