Radiation Safety Officer
Advanced Nuclear Consultants (ANC) carefully select imaging equipment to undergo our meticulous reconditioning to factory specifications including ACR or ICANL Standards.
Because Quality Control is paramount to the peace of mind of our clients, ANC has an on-site, in-house Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) who’s role is to verify that our refurbishing procedures are fully in compliance with State and Federal Radiation Safety Regulations. ANC’s RSO and Radioactive Materials (RAM) License allows our service engineers to calibrate and test all cameras with clinical precision utilizing radioactive point sources commonly prescribed for Nuclear Stress Tests. The result is a Nuclear Gamma Camera System that meets or exceeds ACR or ICANL standards providing superior revenue generating value for Cardiologists across America.
The ANC Refurbishing Process
1. Staging
All systems are staged in a dedicated climate controlled test bay where they are inspected while the scope of work is determined.
2. Disassembly, Cleaning and Reconditioning
Systems are carefully disassembled, cleaned, and disinfected in a static free zone, protecting them from electrostatic discharge. Once surfaces are free of contaminants and properly prepared, systems are painted and detailed to present in “like new” condition.
3. Glassware
Crystals are inspected and replaced as required to meet OEM specifications. If applicable, light guides are recoupled. Photomultiplier tubes are inspected and reinstalled with new optical coupling grease.
4. Detector
Detectors are carefully reassembled and tested for component failure. After a thorough acclimation period, detectors are calibrated to meet original specifications, in accordance with OEM test procedures. New energy, linearity, and uniformity correction tables are acquired and stored.
5. Mechanical
The main gantry motion drives and cables are inspected and replaced as necessary. Lubricants are cleaned from the entire system and reapplied in accordance with original manufacturer’s specifications, which is an extra step that ensures smooth operation. Mechanical parts, such as acme screws, radius bearings, ball joints, gears, and chains are inspected and replaced as needed.
6. Computer, Software, and Integration
Diagnostics are performed on the computers. Operating systems and optional software are installed. Computers are integrated and tested with each camera as a complete system. ANC engineers certify that computers are compliant with HIPAA requirements.
7. Motions
Gantry and drive systems are calibrated and center of rotation tests are performed and verified. Motions are checked for smooth clinical operation according to the original manufacturer’s specifications.
8. Configuration
Based upon customer requirements, the system and peripherals are tested as a complete operating system.
9. Documentation
Test records, serial number lists, logs, checklists, and packaging lists are consolidated and provided to the customer as part of the equipment history record for ACR or ICANL. All systems are guaranteed to pass accreditations.
10. Quality Assurance
System quality assurance consists of image quality, uniformity, and resolution inspection. Internal and external cosmetics are thoroughly inspected. Each system is assessed by our in-house RSO and certified Clinical Support Specialists who make certain that the system meets OEM clinical operation standards, as well as our own ANC standards.
11. Packaging
Each system and its individual components are packaged with extreme care, which are then carefully transported by our logistics team to ensure it arrives at your facility in the same condition it left our factory.
12. Site Planning, Installation, and Training
Our team conducts professional site planning, performs installation in accordance with OEM guidelines, and provides applications training that meets or exceeds your requirements.