[en] Since 1987, with the use of a gamma camera coupled with a computer, 92 oesophageal cinescintigrams have been made for the purpose of investigating refluxes in patients with pulmonary or digestive pathology. Where refluxes are present, the scintigraphic parameters are compared with the clinical and fibroscopic data. (author). 3 refs

[en] Dynamic radionuclide imaging techniques are routinely used to study the uptake, extraction and elimination or retention of many radiopharmaceuticals in most organs of the body. Many drugs used for treating various disease states are known to have toxic effects. Examples of various applications of dynamic radionuclide imaging to studying toxic effects of various drugs on different organs are discussed. A detailed example of the experimental study of hepatobiliary toxicity of Cyclosporin A in rabbits is given. (author). 8 refs, 3 figs

[en] The aim of this work was to develop a device which could generate with high accuracy the output signals of a gamma camera in order to perform quality control and acceptance testing of the imaging process from the digitalization of the gamma camera output signals onwards. The device allows a more reliable adjustment and control of the communication between gamma camera and acquisition computer. (author). 1 fig

[en] Quality control techniques for cardiac dynamic studies are not generally performed by laboratories since the phantoms available are expensive. To provide a method to evaluate the performance of such laboratories the Imaging Resource Committee decided to introduce inter-laboratory comparisons using a simulator named the 'Danbury Heart'. To date three surveys have been performed. The paper discusses the results of these. (author). 4 refs, 3 figs

[en] The Proceedings document some of the trials and tribulations involved in setting up nuclear medicine facilities in general and specifically as regards nuclear medicine applications for the diagnosis of the diseases prevalent in the less developed countries. Most of the 51 papers deal with various clinical applications of dynamic functional studies. However, there was also a session on quality control of the equipment used, and a panel discussion critically looked at the problems and potential of dynamic studies in developing countries. This book will be of interest and use not only to those practising nuclear medicine in the developing countries, but it may also bring home to users in developed countries how ''more can be done with less''. Refs, figs and tabs

[en] The size of scintillation detectors has limited their application to ambulatory and bedside monitoring. Recent developments in transducer technology have enabled the photomultiplier tube to be replaced by a photosensitive diode. This has provided two advantages: miniaturization and low voltage operation. A system operating up to four miniature detectors has been developed and integrated with a personal computer. The design and implementation of the software is described. It was written in compiled Basic and is menu driven. There are three basic modules in the system for acquisition, analysis and utility operations. The routines available provide the flexibility to cope with many potential applications. (author). 3 refs, 2 figs

[en] The performance of software for measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction in three different nuclear medicine computer systems was examined using two commercially made cardiac phantoms. In some combinations, the results proved to be inaccurate and/or variable. Inaccuracy was traced to poor phantom design and the variability to software performance. The results show that individual phantom/software combinations should be investigated thoroughly before their introduction for routine quality assurance. (author). 2 refs, 2 figs, 6 tabs

[en] Currently there is a need for quality control (QC) of SPECT systems if image quality is to be achieved. Since SPECT superiority depends on small contrast differences, one may understand and appreciate the necessity for a vigorous quality control programme. There are two ways of implementing such a programme: A two day workshop is proposed to teach SPECT QC to nuclear medicine technologists and physicians. The first day would be devoted to lectures and demonstrations, while the second would be devoted to 'hands-on' experience. A workshop director would be responsible for selecting the speakers, preparing the schedule and securing proper facilities. A speaker's bureau and a workshop manual that includes the lectures, descriptions and protocols used should be available. The paper describes a SPECT QC programme. (author)

[en] Renal and urological disorders occur frequently in developing countries. Renal function measurement helps to determine whether or not a kidney has obstructive nephropathy needing surgery when a dilated outflow tract is found; which kidney to operate upon first in bilateral disease; and whether significant renovascular disorder is present. The techniques range from simple three probe renography to computer linked gamma camera with deconvolution analysis to give the parenchymal transit times. The quality of the service and the physical and technical environment are important. ⁹⁹Tc^m MAG3 mercapto acetyl triglycine is a new radiopharmaceutical which combines the physiology or hippuran with the availability of pertechnetate. Renal nuclear medicine is an essential service where urological operations are performed. (author). 43 refs, 1 tab

[en] An IAEA co-ordinated research programme to teach and encourage quality control of nuclear medicine instruments was set up in Latin American countries. The procedures followed in order to carry out the programme were: (a) implementation of quality control, (b) external quality control and surveys, (c) organization of workshops. Positive results have been achieved during the first three years of the project, but much work still has to be done to reach an ideal situation. Continuance of the project is fully justified. (author). 5 refs, 1 fig., 3 tabs