What would be a significant consequence of failing to perform dose calibration checks?

Failing to perform dose calibration checks can lead to significant issues in patient treatment, most notably the potential for underdosing or overdosing patients. Dose calibration is critical to ensuring the accurate delivery of the correct radiopharmaceutical dosage for imaging or therapeutic procedures.

If the calibration checks are not performed, there may be discrepancies in the actual dose being administered compared to what is intended. Underdosing can result in insufficient imaging quality or ineffective treatment, potentially leaving underlying conditions undetected or untreated. Conversely, overdosing can expose patients to unnecessary radiation, which increases the risk of radiation-related complications and adverse effects.

Maintaining rigorous dose calibration practices is essential not only for patient safety but also for adhering to regulatory requirements and maintaining the integrity of medical imaging and treatment protocols. This underscores the importance of quality control measures in healthcare settings to safeguard patient welfare and ensure effective care outcomes.