Generally, once a month, you should scan your QC phantom with these approximate parameters, depending on your specific site configuration and your needs: high resolution or general purpose collimator 30-60 milliCuries of Tc-99m (SPECT scanners) 128×128 acquisition matrix, zoom 2.0 (or the equivalent of about 1.7 mm/pixel) 120 angles (“stops”) per camera, with a full 360 deg. rotation of head(s) scan for about 30-60 seconds per angle reconstruct with desired filter (start with ramp filter), attenuation compensation (either measured w/TCT scan, or assume 0.12 per cm); add anywhere from 10 to 50 slices in the rods section together; add 3 to 4 slices of spheres section together; add 10 to 20 slices of uniform section together for multi-camera scanners, reconstruct each head individually and then all heads combined inspect for presence of artifacts, resolution, etc. compare with previous scans; archive results We are told that some institutions set up their QC scan to begin as the technologists are leaving work, allowing the scan to take place after normal working hours, and then processing it the next day. You should first determine that the use of this method complies your institution’s regulations and state and federal regulations with regards to unattended scanner operation, and with regards to concerns of possible unauthorized access to radioactive objects.