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Purpose A multi-centre study to evaluate performances of PET/CT scanners and to draft a unique QC protocol for five departments was performed. The variability in quantitation of PET acceptance tests was investigated to define acceptance limits of these data establishing reference values and new tolerances to compare with the technical specifications provided by the manufacturer. Methods Spatial resolution, scatter fraction, sensitivity, count rate loss and random coincidence estimation, Noise Equivalent Count Rate (NECR) and Image quality parameters were calculated following NEMA NU2-2012 [1] standard on the new PET/CT scanners Biograph mCT Siemens installed in five different nuclear medicine departments. For each parameter, we assessed the consistency of the related data. Results The acceptance test results demonstrated comparable output for all parameters investigated. A summarize schematic results were proposed and their relative variations and tolerances were discussed. As expected, the spatial resolution showed the least variability amongst all features related to its operator-independent preparation and strictly depending on equipment construction. Conversely, the sensitivity was the most variable parameter correlated to very low activity concentration required by NEMA protocol. We reported, for one scanner, an unexpected value in the count rate accuracy test (relative mean error @ peak NEC), despite the consistency of the values of peak NEC rate obtained. Conclusions Based on this investigation, new tolerances of performance measurements were calculated and suggested employing a common platform for quality assurance procedures to minimize variability of physical reference values. The results showed the need for a multi-centre inter-comparison especially in the tests without the tolerances of technical specifications suggested by the manufacturer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two facilities, located in different geographical areas and related to a single Radiotherapy Department, need a massive storage of multimodal DICOM images. A network connection is required in order to share all clinical, physical and dosimetric information. We design and implement a server infrastructure to perform a real time connection for the full management of a Radiotherapy Department. We developed a server architecture dedicated to radiotherapy requirements based on an advanced DICOM forwarding rules: RTPACS. The combination of this system with an advanced DICOM viewer assures a full support of DICOM standard extension. The use of a DICOM server, embedded with programmable SQL databases, offers all solutions to satisfy the requirements for a long-term storage allowing the clinical plan evaluation free by TPS vendor. RTPACS provides easy access to the single patient waiting list and a multidisciplinary and multicenter study of a same patient: a treatment can be planned, valued, approved and delivered independently in both facilities. Such system ensures a continuative service avoiding treatment interruptions caused by machine maintenance or downtime. Moreover, RTPACS constitutes a tool to manage, compare and storage the quality controls results performed by images. A network implementation joining two far facilities of the same Department answers to the needs and cares of the oncologic patient. It represents an innovative, easy and affordable solution that provides a service we cannot find in our territorial area. A unique radiotherapy data management permits a better organization of human resources. Authors disclose any relationship that may prejudice their presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]