Quality assurance of diagnostic monitors

Abstract

The quality assurance of diagnostic monitors is only a small part of the chain required to accomplish an acceptable standard of diagnostic images in a radiology department. It is most unlikely that a Physician will be able to reach an accurate medical diagnosis even if he/she is surrounded with the most sophisticated diagnostic system, if the quality of the monitors is inferior to the relevant standards. Lately with the expansion of PACS systems (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems), the importance of monitor quality assurance, is becoming more intense. This paper presents tests performed on monitors throughout various departments of the Nicosia General Hospital for the establishment of the necessary quality control protocols. Results are compared with existing protocols and standards of various institutions and conclusions based on the differences are drawn. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.