Armonización de Criterios de Control de Calidad para Sondas Intraoperatorias

In the last 10th years, the use of sentinel node technique has been increased; its success is connected with the proper performance of intraoperative gamma probes and the right application of quality control procedures to assure the good functioning of this equipment at clinical practice. There are a few developed works that show methodologies to make all controls, and every country have a freedom to apply each selected criteria depending its proper conditions. The clinical efficiency of these procedures requires the existence of welltrained professionals and implementation of quality assurance programs. Probes’ parameters must remain within the acceptance limit; that is why they should be checked periodically. NEMA Standards Publication NU 3-2004 “Performance Measurement and Quality Control Guidelines for Non-Imaging Intraoperative Gamma Probes” recommends thirteen tests; only three of them are considered as steadiness tests. These tests are considerably complex since open radioactive sources are used in a liquid medium in most of the procedures and the probe is immersed; so its represents risks of radioactive contamination and of damages to the equipment. On the other hand, tests in air demand a good reproducibility and should also be easy and quick.