CT Annual Physics Survey Checklist
Use this list before a CT annual system performance evaluation, ACR or RadSite accreditation test, new-installation commissioning, acceptance test, post-repair evaluation, or CT simulator survey.
What to gather before testing
Share available records in advance so the physicist can confirm the test equipment, time, and required deliverables.
- Testing purpose: annual survey, ACR accreditation, RadSite accreditation, TJC requirement, acceptance testing, commissioning, post-repair testing, or CT simulator evaluation.
- Scanner identification: manufacturer, model, serial number, software version, number of detector rows or configuration, installation date, and room location.
- Clinical use: diagnostic CT, cardiac, pediatric, low-dose screening, interventional capability, radiation oncology CT simulator, or another defined use.
- Prior report: provide the last signed physics report, accreditation testing record, and the status of previous findings.
- Technologist QC: assemble routine QC records, action limits, trends, corrective actions, and documentation of out-of-limit results.
- Service and change history: identify major repairs, tube or detector replacement, software upgrades, moves, protocol changes, and new clinical applications.
- Protocol information: make representative adult and pediatric protocols available when dose or protocol review is within the requested scope.
- Accreditation details: identify the accreditor, unit ID, submission or renewal deadline, prior deficiency, and exact modality or module.
- CT simulator details: identify lasers, tabletop, bore accessories, treatment-planning interfaces, virtual simulation workflow, and any separate radiation-oncology requirements in scope.
- Site logistics: reserve uninterrupted scanner access, arrange a qualified operator, confirm phantom and accessory availability, and provide contacts for service and PACS.
Annual survey, accreditation, and commissioning are not interchangeable.
| Situation | Common request | Information that matters |
|---|---|---|
| Routine periodic evaluation | Annual CT physics survey or system performance evaluation | Jurisdiction, accreditor, clinical use, prior report, and QC program |
| ACR application or renewal | ACR CT accreditation physics testing and documentation | Unit ID, module, testing window, phantom, and submission deadline |
| New scanner or major change | Acceptance testing and commissioning | Purchase specifications, vendor documentation, configuration, protocols, and baseline needs |
| Radiation oncology scanner | CT simulator physics evaluation | Imaging performance plus simulator-specific systems and workflow included in the agreed scope |
Confirm the current standard.
ACR CT Quality Control
See the ACR's current CT quality-control guidance.
ACR CT Testing Overview
Review the ACR's current CT accreditation testing overview for the applicable unit and module.
Technical review: reviewed by an ABR-certified diagnostic medical physicist. Last reviewed September 2026. This checklist is educational and does not replace facility-specific professional, accreditation, or regulatory review.
Need a CT annual survey, accreditation test, or commissioning?
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