Quality Standard for Imaging
Developed collaboratively by the Royal College of Radiologists and the College of Radiographers, The Quality Standard for Imaging (QSI) is an ongoing joint enterprise between the two organisations. The standards are written by imaging professionals, informed by consultation with representatives from across the imaging workforce, alongside lay and patient representatives. Together, this ensures the standards reflect a comprehensive and realistic understanding of imaging services and the people who use them.
Welcome to QSI 2026
QSI 2026 marks the latest update to the Quality Standard for Imaging.
Developed through an extensive review process and consultation with stakeholders across the imaging community, the updated standards reflect the changing needs of imaging services whilst continuing to support high-quality, patient-centred care.
Alongside the standards, a range of supporting resources are available to help services understand the updated framework, navigate changes from previous versions and implement QSI 2026 with confidence.
QSI 2026 Standards
The standards set out the quality statements, outcome measures and supporting guidance that underpin the QSI Quality Mark. Each standard includes suggestions, notes and links to additional resources to help services understand what good quality looks like in practice.
Cross Referencing Document
The cross referencing document maps QSI 2026 standards against the previous version of the framework. It provides a practical guide to what has changed, helping services identify where standards have moved, been combined, updated or newly introduced.
QSI 2026 Context Document
The context document provides additional background information, explanations and supporting guidance for specific standards. It is intended to support interpretation and help services apply the standards within their local environment.
Who is QSI for?
QSI is intended for use by all diagnostic imaging services. The standards are wide-ranging, covering every aspect of general imaging services, and are equally relevant for providers of specialised, stand-alone imaging modalities, teleradiology providers and NHS services.
No matter the setting, every imaging provider can benefit from clear guidance to support the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality care.
How to use QSI?
QSI has been created to help imaging service providers deliver higher standards of care. While it sets out clear minimum expectations for quality, it also inspires teams to go beyond the basics, aiming for excellence and making best practice part of their daily routines.
By using QSI, imaging teams can assess their current performance, spot areas for improvement, and drive ongoing progress in the quality of their services. The QSI acts as both a benchmark for quality and a guide for continuous development, supporting professionals to deliver the best possible care for patients.
The standards are designed to be used independently, helping teams to make internal improvements. However, their impact is even greater when combined with our formal quality review process, the QSI Quality Mark, supporting organisations to achieve recognised levels of excellence.
How is QSI kept up to date?
As imaging evolves, so does QSI. The standard is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new technologies, emerging evidence and changes in the wider healthcare landscape—ensuring it remains relevant, forward looking and grounded in what imaging services need today.
QSI undergoes a thorough review process with a complete, independent analysis taking place every four years. The intention behind QSI is to help services deliver safe, effective, and patient centred care while supporting teams in improving consistency, performance, and overall service quality.