Final reports are a clear indicator of quality in a nuclear medicine facility and provide critical information to referring physicians.  The submission of complete, accurate, and timely reports is essential to the delivery of optimal care.  Nuclear medicine labs applying for accreditation must ensure their reporting processes and products are meeting industry-wide standards developed by ASNC and other professional societies.

Report Content

ASNC guidelines and The Standards for Nuclear Cardiology produced by ICANL outline the essential elements of a nuclear imaging study final report.  Every report should include:

• Patient's name, gender, age and identification number, if applicable
• Requesting health care provider's name
• Date of the examination
• Date of the report
• Clinical indications leading to the performance of the examination
• An adequate description of the procedure performed
• An overview of the results of the examination including pertinent positive and negative findings
• The reasons for a limited examination or deviations from standard protocols
• An overall succinct impression
• Any need for additional studies based on the interpretation of the nuclear cardiology procedures
• Identification and manual or electronic signature of responsible physician

For additional information, see The Standards for Nuclear Cardiology, Part II, Section 6.3 and the ASNC Imaging Guidelines for Nuclear Cardiology Procedures.

Reporting Mistakes to Avoid
Reporting Resources