Blog
Taking Your SPECT Lab Higher: How-to's from ASNC2020
- By: admin
- On: 09/30/2020 20:34:34
- In: Annual Meeting
Ready to raise the bar in your SPECT lab? At Saturday's Clinical Solutions session "Taking Your SPECT Lab to a Higher Level: Best Practices," experts shared recommendations.
ASNC Past President Brian Abbott, MD, MASNC (seen above in his ASNC ballcap), focused on getting to recommended dose goals. Noting that the age of the average camera is 8.9 years, he summarized values to be gained from acquiring a new or refurbished high-sensitivity camera. Or, if a new camera isn't feasible, there are software options that can be applied to conventional cameras.
Ronald G. Schwartz, MD, MS, MASNC, detailed how SPECT image interpretation can be improved with quantitative analysis and how to avoid artifacts with combined supine-prone imaging. His presentation included findings from the REFINE SPECT Registry and how to tackle discordant findings. He noted that forthcoming cameras will incorporate deep learning.
Asked to speak on how to ensure consistency and quality of services, W. Lane Duvall, MD, FASNC, highlighted two strategies: (1) establishing lab standards and protocols; and (2) maintaining individual reader competency. Noting new lab workflows, he advocated empowering technologists to be "stewards of quality."
Denise Kale, CNMT, and Renee Bullock-Palmer, MD, FASNC, teamed up on a presentation analyzing the responsibilities of each team member in the delivery of patient-centered imaging. Ms. Kale highlighted how to customize instructions and study protocols based on whether the patient is taking PPI and/or H2 antagonist medications. Among other recommendations, Dr. Bullock-Palmer shared how her lab uses the DASI score to customize protocols.
The speakers referenced various ASNC guidelines and best practices documents as important tools to use as you take your lab to a higher level.