The gamma camera

Nuclear cardiology imaging is traditionally performed on an Anger gamma camera. Its key component is a large, flat, circular or rectangular sodium iodide crystal, activated by non-radioactive thallium (NaI(Tl)). The side of the crystal facing the patient is covered with a lead collimator, while the side away from the patient is viewed by an array of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). This chapter provides detail on the gamma camera, including information on crystals and collimators, PMTs, and electronics. Important measures of gamma camera performance parameters and quality control are covered in detail, and a section on dedicated solid-state cardiac gamma cameras is included.