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Abstract #5074

Protocol for Regular Quality Control of MRI Scanners in a Clinical Setting

Joost Kuijer1, Erwin Kist2, Mark Hofman1

1Physics and Medical Technology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; 2Radiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands


A protocol for MRI Quality Control (QC) testing within 15 minutes was developed in a clinical setting including phantom positioning and image evaluation. The set-up consisted of a scan protocol using the ACR phantom, based on the ACR 2004 QC Manual. The images were sent from the scanner to a central server using a DICOM transfer, automatically analysed and compared to predefined action limits, based on clinical relevance and short-term reproducibility. Parameters included SNR, ghosting, image homogeneity and 3D geometric accuracy. Web-based reporting allowed direct feedback at the scanner, while trend plots provide insight in long-term stability.