Should Incidents in PET Scan Protocol Include a Dimension?

In summary, the article discusses the importance of incorporating a dimensional analysis into the incident reporting protocols of PET scans. It argues that including a third dimension could enhance the understanding of incidents by providing a more comprehensive view of factors affecting scan outcomes. This approach aims to improve patient safety, facilitate better communication among healthcare teams, and ultimately lead to more effective interventions and outcomes in nuclear medicine.
  • #1
Lambda96
206
72
Homework Statement
see Post
Relevant Equations
none
Hi,

I had the PET scan as an experiment a few weeks ago and then had to write a protocol.

The aim of the experiment was to count the number of gamma quanta resulting from pair annihilation. The events were analyzed using the coincidence method. Here is an excerpt from the table including error calculation

Tabelle.png

I received the protocol back today and am supposed to make the appropriate corrections. One comment was that no dimension was specified for the incidents.

The incidents are actually a number and a number doesn't have a dimension, does it?

I don't understand what I should correct there or should I write it like this: incidents [] ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Are you using an auto-translator? Because "incident" is being used in a way I have never seen it before. You might find a different one is clearer,

Aren't the count rates counts per unit time? i.e. the dimensions will be Hz, (Or Bq) although the numbers in the table will need to be adjusted for duration to make them equal to Hz.
 
  • Like
Likes Lambda96
  • #3
I have written the protocol in German, but I have translated the table into English for the forum here. We use the term "Ereignis", but I didn't know whether to use event or incident as translation for "Ereignis"

But the unit of an "Ereignis" is dimensionless or not?
 
  • #4
I think the word you want is "Event". However, you are very unclear whether you want "Event" or "Events per second". They obviously have different units.
 
  • #5
It is about the unit of events. Unfortunately, I also realise that I have translated the "Zählrate" incorrectly. Each measurement of events was 60 seconds, so the events per second are nothing other than ##\frac{Events}{60s}##

Since events are nothing more than a number, I then have to write "Events [qty]"?
 
  • #6
I have no idea what you want.
 
  • #7
What the unit of the events is supposed to be, for me it is unitless but apparently not for my lecturer.
 
  • #8
And we cannot read your lecturer's mind.

You have been told that you are mixing up "Events" and "Events/second." Which one do you really want? How can we possibly tell you? Which one does your lecturer want? How can we possibly tell you that either?
 
  • #9
Lambda96 said:
Since events are nothing more than a number, I then have to write "Events [qty]"?
Events/minute. Kind of like Revolutions per Minute (RPM).

1720549489321.png
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Should Incidents in PET Scan Protocol Include a Dimension?

What is the significance of including a dimension in PET scan protocols?

Including a dimension in PET scan protocols is significant because it enhances the accuracy and specificity of the imaging results. By incorporating dimensional analysis, clinicians can better assess the size, shape, and location of lesions or abnormalities, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment planning.

How does the inclusion of a dimension affect the interpretation of PET scan results?

The inclusion of a dimension allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the PET scan results. It provides additional context that can help differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, assess tumor response to therapy, and monitor disease progression, ultimately aiding in more informed clinical decisions.

Are there any challenges associated with including a dimension in PET scan protocols?

Yes, there are challenges, such as the need for standardized measurement techniques and potential variability in interpretation among different radiologists. Additionally, incorporating dimensions may require more advanced imaging software and training for personnel, which can increase the complexity and cost of PET imaging procedures.

What types of dimensions are typically included in PET scan protocols?

Typically, dimensions such as volume, diameter, and surface area of lesions are included in PET scan protocols. These measurements can provide critical information about the tumor's characteristics and behavior, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

How can the inclusion of a dimension improve patient outcomes in PET imaging?

By improving the accuracy of lesion characterization and treatment response assessment, the inclusion of a dimension can lead to more personalized treatment plans and timely interventions. This, in turn, can enhance patient outcomes by reducing unnecessary procedures, minimizing treatment delays, and improving survival rates.

Back
Top