Technologists are responsible for performing day-to-day imaging Quality Control activities.

However, the technologists are not on their own. In fact, QC is a team effort, and an effective QC program relies on all of the team members being engaged and part of the process. This includes QC sign off.

In mammography, the Responsible Parties that need to be involved in the QC process are imaging management, the lead interpreting physician, and the medical physicist. In addition to the mandated Responsible Parties, many QC teams also include Quality Assurance directors and radiation safety officers.

Healthcare systems have been getting larger, with imaging sites spread across larger and larger geographic areas, and all indications are this trend will continue. Imaging centers spread around a metro area may be convenient for patients, but it adds to the burden on Responsible Parties.

As everyone knows, when QC records are stored in paper binders, there aren't any good alternatives for the team members to monitor the QC process, much less review and sign off. You're in the business of either faxing or traveling.

In mammography, the FDA recently added to the challenge with the EQUIP initiative and the enhanced sign off requirements of Question 3.

The paperless QC-Track workflow offers a powerful approach for monitoring the QC process and performing electronic QC Sign Off. Imagine the convenience -- Responsible Parties, and especially the Lead Interpreting Physician (LIP), from their desk, can review QC records from any facility on the network, including QC reports and QC documents, and sign off. The QC-Track Sign Off process has been accepted by MQSA inspectors at all levels across the U.S. since 2008.

And, in modalities beyond mammography, clients are using the same QC-Track review and sign off process to help ensure the highest quality imaging.