SERVICES


What is ICANL?

The intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories (ICANL) is a non-profit organization that provides an increasingly renowned method for general nuclear medicine, nuclear cardiology, and PET facilities to evaluate and demonstrate the level of patient care they provide.

What is the purpose of ICANL accreditation?

ICANL accreditation allows nuclear imaging labs to assess every aspect of their facility’s daily operations with respect to the quality of health care provided to patients and identify and correct potential problems.

Why do I need ICANL accreditation?

ICANL Accreditation offers the following benefits:
  • Improves the organization of the laboratory
  • Improves standardization of techniques
  • Improves quality assurance and correlation
  • Peer review recognition as a high quality laboratory
  • Demonstrates accountability
  • May be linked to reimbursement


    • Is accreditation mandatory?

    In most states, reimbursement directives that require accreditation have been instituted.

    What is involved in the ICANL application process?

    The ICANL application process involves many steps including the ones listed below:
  • Request The Standards (guidelines and requirements) from ICANL and review
  • Make whatever modifications are necessary for your facility to be in compliance
  • Complete and submit the application electronically
  • ICANL representatives review the completed application
  • Random selection for on-site review or paper audit by ICANL appointed inspector
  • Accreditation is obtained for three years

    • How long does it take to complete the application?

    Generally, it takes 6 months the first time. Most facilities need to make modifications in protocols, reports, and quality control/quality assurance programs to be compliant with the Imaging Guidelines (JNC, Part 1 and 2) and the ACC/AHA guidelines for stress testing, which ICANL has adopted as their standards.

    Once ICANL accreditation is granted, how long does it last?

    ICANL accreditation is good for 3 years. Re-accreditation is achieved by completing and submitting a new application for ICANL review for 3 months prior to the expiration date.

    What are common deficiencies found that would keep a lab from being accredited?

    The most common deficiencies found (both from the application and the site visit) are a lack of CME’s from physicians and technologists, poorly written or missing protocols, reports that lack the necessary components per ICANL standards, and a lack or absence of a Quality Assurance program.

    What does a site inspector look at during a site inspection?
  • Personnel and Staffing
  • Physical space and environment
  • Equipment and instrumentation
  • 6-12 months of records and documentation
  • Radiation Safety and Policy and Procedure Manuals
  • Quality Assurance Program
  • Observation of patient care (imaging, dosing, etc.)
  • Review of random sample of case studies
    • Can more than one site be included on the same application?

    How can NIS assist me in becoming ICANL accredited?

    What services are provided under NIS’s ICANL Services program?

    How do I Contact NIS to get more information?

    ICANL Package

    NIS’s Comprehensive ICANL Package is the total solution designed for those seeking full service, hands-on guidance through every step of preparation, including site visits and application submission. This package alleviates the challenges involved with the accreditation process and allows customers to continue day-to-day operations while we complete their application. Package includes:
  • A complete pre-application site inspection
  • Application preparation for one single site
  • Quality Control review for one camera
  • Review of CME’s, credentials and training, and ACLS for interpreting physicians
  • Review or supply of sample studies, consent forms, and reports
  • Review of the following programs
  • Radiation Safety
  • Quality Assurance
  • Quality Control
  • Review or provide a Policy and Procedure Manual
  • Final site visit with completed application and assistance in selecting case studies to submit to ICANL


    • For more information about ICANL call (866) NUC-MED1
    or Click Here to ask questions.