Quality of dynamic radionuclide renal imaging: multicentre evaluation using a functional renal phantom

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of dynamic radionuclide renal imaging in Finland. Nineteen nuclear medicine departments participated. A functional renal phantom was imaged and interpreted as a patient-like study. Reconstruction and printouts were performed according to the clinical routine of each laboratory. Three nuclear medicine specialists anonymously evaluated the quality of the image sets. The visual scores of the experts were ranked from one to five. In addition, several numerical time-activity parameters were calculated and compared between the laboratories. The average visual scores of the experts for the image sets were 3.2+/-0.5 (range 2.4-4.2). Only two laboratories received a score value of 4 or higher. The average error for the time to reach maximum activity (T(max)) ranged from -29 to +18% and for the washout time to reach half activity from maximum activity (T(1/2)) ranged from -43 to +66%. These results suggest that the difference in calculated parameters between laboratories is most probably due to variations in study protocols and analysis programmes. The need for external quality assurance and quality improvement in nuclear renal imaging is evident and is recommended for regular use.