[Intl_DxMedPhys] [EXTERNAL] IAC v. ACR

[Timmerman,Michael]

It’s been a while since I’ve done any work with IAC accreditation but I used to do a ton when I was consulting. Anyone with more recent experience can definitely correct me if any of this is outdated. The accreditation requirements can be found here: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://intersocietal.org/programs/ct-dental-ct/standards/__;!!KGKeukY!ySzwNAvQcFP_oDwAKaL0MHVzb2Xy8PiiOHNr2ZadgZGAQH9yDw5XUkgu1Lnx3t0vFRNyQmR4lRDYtYKq_gBRcwjAj_kdh-Quuz7tu9vh9keW39loCaHD0Gen$ .

Physics testing is pretty similar to ACR. The IAC doesn’t set specific action limits for tests like the ACR but does state which tests are required (if applicable) – you can do everything with the phantoms you would already have for ACR testing. Pretty similar to TJC requirements. I found the IAC to be a bit more flexible than the ACR but generally comparable.

IAC is very heavily used for CBCT units (dental, ENT, etc.) that don’t fit under ACR guidelines. The IAC is fine with vendor-specific phantoms, alternative dose measurements (particularly for CBCT), specific accreditation modules, etc. IAC does require shielding designs be performed before installation and also requires a radiation protection survey after installation. All stuff we are doing anyways, just part of the accreditation process. Phantom images need to be provided but they are pretty flexible on those as well – I used to send screenshots for CBCT units instead of full image sets and they were fine with that. Case studies need to be submitted.

One thing about the IAC: they are (or at least used to be) very focused on facility policies and want them uploaded as part of the accreditation process. I used to spend a lot of time making sure that the right policies were uploaded and that they met IAC requirements. Definitely time intensive.

Hope this helps!

Best,

Mike
________________________________________
Mike Timmerman, MS, DABR
Diagnostic Medical Physicist
Sanford Health – Sioux Falls Region
Mobile: (541) 213-1075
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From: Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list <intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list-bounces+michael.timmerman=sanfordhealth.org at lists.osu.edu> On Behalf Of Matthew Hall via Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 3:10 PM
To: intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list at lists.osu.edu
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [Intl_DxMedPhys] IAC v. ACR

 CT gurus- I have a facility looking to open and are deciding between ACR and IAC CT accreditation. I have done plenty with the ACR but never IAC. Anyone have experience with IAC to explain the difference from the physics side of testing?
 CT gurus-

I have a facility looking to open and are deciding between ACR and IAC CT accreditation.

I have done plenty with the ACR but never IAC.

Anyone have experience with IAC to explain the difference from the physics side of testing?

Thanks

Matt Hall
Chicago, IL

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