Imaging QA Interface

When imaging QA tests are added to templates an upload control will appear in the scheduled QA's data entry screen allowing the user to upload images for automated analysis.

To add files to the upload queue simply drag them from a Windows Explorer or iOS Finder folder to the drag and drop folder and release them. Alternatively, by clicking on the Add Files button to the lower right of the control a windows file selection dialog will open and files can be selected for upload. Under either method, multiple files may be selected for upload at once.

If the automatically upload checkbox is checked (the default) then file uploading will start immediately as files are added.

If the automatically upload button is turned to off the file upload process must be started manually clicking the Start upload button on the lower right of the control. To clear the upload queue click the Clear button.

Once file series have been uploaded they will be displayed below the upload control. To remove a series from the queue click the Cancel button beside the series. To start processing click the Start Processing button. A description for the image series can be added at this point. Click the Edit button next to the series. Type a description for the series into the text box that appears below Description and either click Save or press the enter key. 

The description can also be edited after the images have been processed. Descriptions will appear in the report with the analysis of the series. 

While files are being processed users may perform other tasks such as data entry.

Previewing Image Processing Results

Once processing has started the status will progress from initial, queued, processing to finished.

After processing has been completed a description for the image series can be added or edited. Click the Edit button next to the series. Type a description for the series into the text box that appears below Description and either click Save or press the enter key. 

After images have been processed, temporary results will display.  Users can choose to eliminate specific tests from the final report, as appropriate. 

The report is finalized using the button at top right. 

A prompt will appear to add relevant comments to the report, one of several instances of comment addition ability. 

If an error has occurred an error message will be displayed.

Different error messages will be displayed for different conditions:

• If an error occurs during processing then an error message directing you to look at the current report will be displayed. Note this may simply be a warning about the image set uploaded.

• If the processing engine recognizes the image set but the appropriate tests are not included in the template you will be notified. Simply go to the Manage Service > QA Templates and add the appropriate tests to the template.

• If an empty report occurs you will be directed to contact customer support.

Automatic Recognition and Naming Conventions

Many types of images are automatically recognized and do not require the user to identify or use naming conventions for the files. For certain analyses (typically newer ones) naming conventions on the files may be required until Image Owl has a sufficient database of images has been accumulated to allow automated recognition.

Analyses Requiring Naming Conventions

The following analyses require file naming conventions.

• Asymmetric Field: Must have asym somewhere in the file name.
• Flatness/Symmetry from EPID: Must have flat somewhere in file name.
• MLC Transmission and Dosimetric Leaf Gap Anaysis: Must have mlctrans somewhere in the file name.
• Partial Elekta 503 Uploads: For partial Elekta 503 uploads (typically scans done with S10 collimator) see Catphan®QA Elekta CAT Scanning Protocols
• Planar kV with Leeds TOR-18 Phantom: Add leeds somewhere in the file name.
• Planar MV using MV-QA Phantom: Add sncmv somewhere in the file name.
• Starshot (Couch, gantry or table): Must have starshot somewhere in the file name. TIFF files being uploaded with starshot in the name are assumed to be gantry starshot images.
• VMAT Test 2 and 3: Add vmat2 and vmat3, respectively, somewhere as part of the file names. 

Analyses with Optional Naming Conventions

In some cases, it may be necessary to assist the automatic image recognition with manual naming conventions. If your images are not recognized automatically for the following types please try these naming conventions:

• Picket Fence Tests: Add picketfence somewhere in the file name. Also when using an HD MLC, add hd somewhere in the file name in addition to picketfence.
• Planar kV with SI QC-kV Phantom: Add qckv somewhere in the file name.
• Planar MV using QC-3 Phantom: Add qcmv somewhere in the file name.
• Radiation/Lightfield using FC-2 Phantom: Add radlight somewhere in the file name.
• Winston-Lutz Test: Add winstonlutz somewhere in the file name.