Module 1 : Quality Assurance

Question 1

what is quality assurance?

Answer 1

a program that ensures proper and consistent operation of imaging systems

Question 2

what does the QA program ensure?

Answer 2

• proper equipment operation
• detection of gradual degradation of performance
• minimizes machine downtime
• minimizes repeat exams
• safety
• cost efficiency
• maintains standards

Question 3

who are the three main people responsible for QA?

Answer 3

physician
sonographer
service(biomedical/manufacturer)

Question 4

who is the DIRECTOR of the QA program?

Answer 4

physician - must asses images for overall quality

Question 5

whats the role of a sonographer in QA

Answer 5

• assesses images
• perform routine testing & record keeping
• maintenance

Question 6

what are the two types of service personnel?

Answer 6

• manufacturer

- biomedical personnel

Question 7

whats the role of the manufacturer in QA?

Answer 7

provide routine preventative maintenance & repair equipment

Question 8

whats the role of biomedical personnel in QA?/

Answer 8

acceptance testing and patient + employee safety

Question 9

what is acceptance testing? what is measured?

Answer 9

involves sophisticated testing before systems are placed into operation
- imaging performance & power output

Question 10

what is a key component to a good QA program?

Answer 10

record keeping

Question 11

when is routine maintenance done by the sonographer?

Answer 11

daily, weekly or monthly

Question 12

how often do manufacturers perform PM

Answer 12

2 to 3 times per year while machineunder warranty

Question 13

what is an older testing device with plastic case?

Answer 13

AIUM 100

contains 0.75mm steel rods arranged in groups and filled with water, 9% alcohol & algaecide

Question 14

whats an advantage & disadvantage of AIUM100

Answer 14

cheaper but have no grayscale and no attenuation

Question 15

what contains one or more materials that . stimulate a body of tissue in its interaction with ultrasound?

Answer 15

tissue equivalent phantom

Question 16

what are tissue equivalent phantoms made of

Answer 16

• plastic case that contains gel mixed with graphite powder & rod groups + solid & cystic lesions

Question 17

whats an advantage & disadvantage of tissue equivalent phantoms

Answer 17

• allow for grayscale, attenuation (tgc) & speed of sound
• more expensive

Question 18

what characteristics must a good phantom have

Answer 18

• attennuation
• speed of sound
• backscatter coefficient/relative contrast
• elasticity
• thermal properties

Question 19

what can phantoms test for?

Answer 19

• dead zone measurement
• detailed resolution
• distance accuracy
• image uniformity
• depth of penetration
• cyst imaging capabilities

Question 20

what is the dead zone? how much change is acceptable?

Answer 20

• area in near field, also known as main bang
• can be larger with old probes
• <15mm of change is acceptable

Question 21

what is axial res & how do we test for it

Answer 21

• ability to distinguish between two points along Y axis
• 1/2spl
• measuring smallest sepratation visible between axial pins at various depths

Question 22

what is lateral resolution & how do we test for it?

Answer 22

ability to distinguish two pins perpendicular to the beam