Case report
Importance of Quality Assurance Program Implementation in Conventional Diagnostic Radiology
Marija Surić Mihić
Tomislav Meštrović
Ivica Prlić
Dunja Surić
Abstract
Diagnostic radiology’s basic task is to provide high quality diagnostic image information about anatomic detail or
ongoing physiological process within patient’s body, where such information can not be provided using alternative diagnostic
method which excludes the use of ionizing radiation. Ensuring adequate clinical diagnostic information together
with the least possible exposure of the patient to radiation (As Low As Reasonably Achievable – ALARA principle) at the
lowest costs is quality assurance (QA) program’s main goal – optimization of radiological practice. Implementation of
QA program does not mean just meeting legal requirements regarding quality control (QC) of X-ray and associated
equipment and areas where they are installed but also implies optimum use of equipment, human and material resources
inspected trough film rejection analysis and monitoring of patient doses received in particular radiological diagnostic
examinations. In Republic of Croatia QA program in diagnostic radiology has not been yet systematically implemented
in any medical institution. Except for legally bounded QC of X-ray equipment, other aspects of QA program are
not conducted due to many reasons such as lack of educated staff and adequate measuring equipment, absence of obligatory
legal acts, poor financial situation in Croatian health care system and many others. Implementation of QA program
in diagnostic radiology departments of Croatian medical institutions is an imperative in order to harmonize the good
practice with other countries in EU.
Keywords
quality assurance program; quality control; patient dose assessment; dose reference levels
Hrčak ID:
35111
URI
Publication date:
1.10.2008.
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