Classification and presentation of technological artifacts in hybrid scanning systems for improved quality control of nuclear-medical research

The introduction of the most modern generations of hybrid scanners in modern nuclear medicine requires detailed knowledge of software and hardware, quality control and quality of service.; The aim of the study is to classify and demonstrate possible technical and technological sources of errors and artifacts in hybrid SPECT/CT scanning, similarly to PET/CT, to prevent their generation leading to inaccuracies in imaging with the admission of false medical conclusions.; The applied materials and methods obtained during the daily diagnostic activity during the work with the SPECT/CT hybrid scanner at the Nuclear Medicine Clinic of the Hospital in 2017 at the present time were classified by groups of type errors, causing artifacts.; Results: A classification of type errors and artifacts is proposed, the non-admission and/or overcoming of which is essential for proper medical diagnosis. Classification is in the following groups:; 1. Technical errors resulting from incorrectly entered parametric data in; study protocols;; 2. Artifacts related to the scanning system;; 3. Artifacts of mismatch of CT and SPECT images - 'Missfusion' artifacts;; 4. Traffic artifacts;; 5. Artifacts generated by the biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals; in the human organism.; Conclusion: Knowledge and precision of quality control in working with a hybrid scanner is critical to minimizing mistakes and artifacts, resulting in high image quality and accurate diagnostic interpretation.; Keywords: artifacts, SPECT/CT, PET/CT, quality control.