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Notebook 11

This document discusses quality control testing for various types of radiographic equipment. It describes evaluating equipment such as calipers, positioning accessories, and protective lead aprons. It also summarizes evaluating the radiation output, filtration, accuracy of settings like kVp and timer, and other technical specifications of the imaging equipment. Various tools are mentioned that can be used for tests like evaluating beam alignment, collimation, focal spot size, and grid alignment.

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83 views4 pages

Notebook 11

This document discusses quality control testing for various types of radiographic equipment. It describes evaluating equipment such as calipers, positioning accessories, and protective lead aprons. It also summarizes evaluating the radiation output, filtration, accuracy of settings like kVp and timer, and other technical specifications of the imaging equipment. Various tools are mentioned that can be used for tests like evaluating beam alignment, collimation, focal spot size, and grid alignment.

Uploaded by

api-335583967
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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NOTEBOOK 11

Equipment that needs QC testing :


Caliper presence
Technique charts
Positioning accessories
Intravenous stands

Protective Apparel for QC Programs :


Lead aprons and gloves present
Viewed under fluoroscopy for holes every six months
Hung when not in use
Lead blockers should also be checked for holes or damage.

What is evaluated in performance testing:


Radiation measurement
Radiation output
Filtration check
kVp accuracy
Timer accuracy
Voltage waveform
mA and exposure time accuracy and reciprocity
Focal spot size
Beam restriction system
Beam alignment

AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE CONTROL (AEC)


o Exposure Reproducibility
o Response time
o Backup timer
o Exposure timer
o Accuracy
o Reproducibility
o Dead-man exposure switch

KILOVOLTAGE
o Accuracy
o Reproducibility

RADIATION OUTPUT (mAs)


o Linearity
o Programmed timer
o Reproducibility

HALF-VALUE LAYER (HVL)

BEAM AND COLLIMATION ALIGNMENT


NOTEBOOK 11

GRID ALIGNMENT

FOCAL SPOT

Beam Alignment Test Tool

Objective:
o To check misalignment of the light field and the x ray field
Equipment:
o Energized radiographic unit
o RMI Collimator Test Tool and the RMI Beam Alignment Test Tool
o Cassette 8 X 10 inch
o The bubble level
The Beam Alignment Test Tool provides a simple test of the x-ray beam alignment.
When used with the Collimator Test Tool, X-ray beam misalignments of 1 and 2%
can be visualized without the need for measuring or calculating.

Collimator Test Tool

Objective:
o To check misalignment of the light field and the x ray field
Equipment:
o Energized radiographic unit
o RMI Collimator Test Tool and the RMI Beam Alignment Test Tool
o Cassette 8 X 10 inch
o The bubble level
Evaluate collimator light field and x-ray field congruence plus ensure accurate x-
ray beam alignment

Computed and Digital Radiography Commissioning QA Phantom

A set of test objects designed to be used quickly and easily on an annual /


commissioning basis to provide an ongoing check of imaging performance,
particularly those aspects which are most liable to deterioration.

Copper HVL Attenuator

Objective:
o To assess the x-ray beam quality and determine the adequacy of filtration.
Equipment:
o Energized radiographic unit
o Digital dosimeter
o Lead backing sheet
o Aluminium filters
NOTEBOOK 11

o Tape for positioning filters

For Radiation energies of 140 to 400 kVp, copper is used for specifying the half
value layer of the x-ray beam. 10x10cm copper sheets are used, with thickness
that range from 0.1 to 2.0 mm.

Film/Screen contact Test Tool

Good film-screen contact across the entire area of the screen is needed for quality
diagnosis. Routine testing of all of the cassettes in the department detects areas
of poor film-screen contact as part of the QA process before blurred areas interfere
with patient care. Such testing is often a regulatory requirement.

Focal Spot Test Tool

The focal spot size of an X-ray tube is a key factor in determining system
resolution. The smaller the focal spot size, the sharper the image at high
geometric magnification. The cylinder provides accurate and reproducible target-
to-image receptor spacing. The visually observed limiting resolution can be simply
converted into an effective focal spot size.

Grid Alignment Test Tool

Objective:

o To detect an upside-down focused grid or incorrect tube to grid distance.

Equipment:

o Energized radiographic unit (60kV, 2mAs)

o RMI grid alignment test tool

o 18 x 24 cm cassette with film

o Densitometer

Improves alignment of the radiographic grid and central ray of the x-ray tube and provides
increased image contrast, improved shading in image density, and can reduce
unnecessarily increased patient dosage.

Problems can occur when the x-ray tubes alignment indicators (light/detents) are
misadjusted. Additional problems occur if the x-ray tube is tilted or the grid is installed
upside down. Used to test proper grid alignment with respect to the central ray of the x-
ray tube. Regular quality control testing can help detect misalignments before they
present a patient safety issue.
NOTEBOOK 11

High Contrast Resolution Test Tool

An important measure of your fluoroscopy system is its high contrast resolution.


This test is used to assess the resolving power of your system.

kV Reproducibility

Objective:
o To determine the variation in average kVp over a number of exposures at the
same generator setting.
Equipment:
o Digital kV meter/multifunction meter
o Lead backing sheet
o Energized radiographic unit

Reproducibility

Ability of radiographic unit to produce the same exposure even though in the short
intervals.

mA Linearity

Objective:
o To evaluate the linearity of a generator for commonly used exposure settings
Equipment:
o Energized radiographic unit
o Digital dosimeter

Timer Accuracy

Objective:
o To evaluate the accuracy of an exposure timer.
Equipment:
o Energized radiographic unit
o Digital exposure timer (multi-function meter)

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