Chapter 10 Flashcards
Quality assurance
The planning, implementation and evaluation of procedures to produce high quality radiographs with maximum diagnostic information while minimizing the radiation exposure
Quality control
A series of test to assure that the radiographic system is functioning properly and that the radiographs produced are of an acceptable level of quality
Quality control objectives
- Maintain high standard of image quality
- ID problems BEFORE image quality is compromised
- Keep the patient and occupational radiation exposure to a minimum
- Reduce the # of retakes
X-ray machine testing includes:
- Radiation output
- Time accuracy
- mA and kV settings
- Focal spot size
- Filtration
- Collimation
- Beam alignment
- Tube head stability
View boxes in a darkroom..
Have an afterglow of the fluorescent light and can be a source of light
Place an unexposed film in fixer for 4 minutes of when film clears whichever comes first. If the film does not clear in 4 minutes or less, the fixer needs replacement
Clearing time test
What does the clearing time test help measure
Fixer strength
Reference film
Radiograph that is processed under ideal condition and then used to compare the film densities that are processed daily
Output Consistency Test
Monitored by using step wedge to determine film density and contrast
May also be used to test the strength of the chemicals
Coin test
Monitors safelight and darkroom conditions
Light test
Monitors darkroom. Close the door to darkroom and look for light seepage around the door
Digital
Inspect equipment on a regular basis for signs of wear or deterioration
Testing and monitoring must be done according to the manufacturers specifications
Monitoring badges
Monitors how much radiation the operator is exposed to
They do not protect you from radiation
Quality administration
- Descriptions of the plan
- Assignment of duties
- Monitoring schedule
- Maintence schedule
- Record keeping log
- Plan for evaluation and revision
- In service training
True or false. Calibration of dental x-ray equipment can be performed by a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant
False
True or false. Annual tests for dental x-ray machines can be performed by a dentist, dental hygienist, or assistant
True
True or false. For quality control purposes, each new box of unopened film should be tested for film freshness and fogging before use
False
After processing, fresh film that has been properly stored and protected will appear
Clear with a slight blue tint
After performing the screen-film contact test, a wire mesh image of uniform density appears. These results indicate
Adequate film-screen contact
True or false. When functioning properly, a viewbox should emit a uniform intense light
False
One of the most critical areas of quality control that requires daily monitoring is
Processing of films
The coin test is used to check
proper safelighting
Must be closely monitored with manual processing techniques
temps of the water bath
levels of the processing solutions
accuracy of the timer
accuracy of the thermometer
On the average, processing solutions should be changed
Every 3 to 4 weeks
On the average, processing solutions should be replenished
once daily
The clearing test is used to monitor
Fixer strength
