Cardiac catheterization laboratory imaging quality assurance program.

With the recent approval of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard for "Characteristics of and Test Procedures for a Phantom to Benchmark Cardiac Fluoroscopic and Photographic Performance," comprehensive cardiac image assurance control programs are now possible. This standard was developed by a joint NEMA/Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions (SCA&I) working group of imaging manufacturers and cardiology society professionals over the past 4 years. This article details a cardiac catheterization laboratory image quality assurance and control program that includes the new standard along with current regulatory requirements for cardiac imaging. Because of the recent proliferation of digital imaging equipment, quality assurance for cardiac imaging fluoroscopy and digital imaging are critical. Included are the previous works recommended by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA), Society for Cardiac Angiographers and Interventions (SCA&I), and authors of previous image quality subjects.