Current status of quality management of medical imaging in Korea

ABSTRACT

Imaging modalities have developed in tandem with technical developments in recent years. It is common practice worldwide to establish a medical imaging quality control system in accordance with resources and need. In2003, the Korean governmentinstituted a medical imaging quality control system for high-priced and high-end medical imaging equipment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and mammography were included in this program. General image quality has continuously improved, but some problems remain. The medical imaging quality control program will be extended to other equipment such as positron emission tomography-CT, simulation CT for radiation treatment, and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. Education programs for equipment control personnel should be improved and the quality control system should be refined.