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Learning objectives: Learn about an objective, practical and unifying methodology for quality control of all cone beam CT (CBCT) modalities. Understand the choice and justification of the proposed tests Learn how to perform the tests on a routine basis.

Background: Current guidelines for quality control of CBCT devices consider the available applications (dental, radiotherapy, interventional radiology and guided surgery) as different entities [1], [2]. However, the data acquisition and reconstruction methods are similar. Henceforth, the evaluation parameters for image quality and dose can be unified.

Findings and procedure details: The parameters used for image quality assessment are uniformity, accuracy of density values (or Hounsfield units where appropriate), geometrical evaluation, noise, low-contrast resolution (including contrast-to-noise ratio) and high-contrast resolution. Detailed procedures using free software and commercially available test phantoms are described in the guidelines, which are currently under external review.

Conclusion: These guidelines include the minimum tests that should be performed to ensure reliable, safe and consistent performance of CBCT devices. This minimum has been sought to guarantee compatibility with all manufacturers, all cone beam modalities and existing national and international documents.