[Intl_DxMedPhys] Intermittent energy resolution failure

[Nicole Ranger]

Adam, 

I would definitely escalate it.  There is no guarantee that it isn’t occurring in a clinical context.  It was flagged to the techs attention because the energy spectrum was captured and reported for the daily QC acquired with Co57.  I’d like to think that the techs are checking the Tc99m energy spectra before initiating clinical exams but that may not always be the case.

The fact that it isn’t persistent points to either an intermittent issue with the electronics or an energy correction map not loading properly.  I would think that either would also impact the uniformity image and stats.  A higher level expert at Siemens who is more familiar with unusual failure modes should be able to assist.  Service engineers are often reluctant to escalate because they are concerned that it may reflect negatively on them but in this case that shouldn’t be the case.  I’ve personally wasted too much time myself testing to prove an intermittent issue was not resolved despite service claims.  It was only addressed when I leveraged the situation by requesting that it be escalated so that us my recommendation.

Nicole



Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 6, 2025, at 7:10 AM, Adam Springer via Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list <intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list at lists.osu.edu> wrote:
> 
> 
> A dual-head gamma camera recently reported a FWHM of 16% on one head during an extrinsic flood. After rebooting the system, the FWHM for the same head was around 11%, within the manufacturer's specification for Co57. Technologists have noticed the same intermittent issue and reported it to service. The manufacturer's FSE investigated, couldn't identify the issue and told them it was nothing to worry about because it didn't affect clinical images with Tc99m. 
> 
> I think the FSE should keep trying. But he'll be shooting in the dark with a grudge unless we ask him to escalate it with the manufacturer. I'm not opposed to that but I thought I'd ask for others' insight first.
> 
> Can anyone on the list suggest what might cause an intermittent failure of energy resolution on only one head of a dual-head gamma camera?
> 
> Thanks in advance!
> Adam
> 
> ========================
> Adam C. Springer, MS, DABR®
> Medical Physicist
> KLS Physics Group, LLC
> 124 Killgore Rd
> Ruston, LA 71270
> Office: 318-255-5033
> Mobile: 318-272-8292
> 
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