QA/ QC

Question 1

what is the principal goal of a quality assurance program

Answer 1

to provide accurate and timely diagnosis 

Question 2

what is the secondary goal of a quality assurance program

Answer 2

to minimize radiation exposure to the patient while the principal goal is achieved 

Question 3

quality assurance

Answer 3

deals with people

Question 4

quality control

Answer 4

delta switch instrumentation and equipment
* together they are designed to ensure the best possible image quality with the lowest possible exposure and minimum costs

Question 5

QC tests are performed by

Answer 5

physicists

Question 6

filtration beam quality test 

Answer 6

tested using a digital dosimeter half value layer measurement is required. performed annually.
- A filter is usually a piece of aluminum placed in the primary beam just as it exits the x-ray to before it reaches the collimator which helps lower patient skin dose.
- total filtration must be at least 2.5 mm Aluminum equivalent 

Question 7

Collimation/light field alignment

Answer 7

must be accurate to within +/- 2% of the source to image receptor distance - -performed semi annually

Question 8

positive beam limitation

Answer 8

within +/- 2%

Question 9

central ray must be within

Answer 9

1%

Question 10

focal spot testing

Answer 10

1. slit camera ( most reliable)
2. star test pattern
3. pin hole camera
   focal spot size can be determined by observing the regions of blurring 

Question 11

spinning top test

Answer 11

spinning test is used to test timer accuracy a rectifier function in three phase equipment( older equipment)

Question 12

exposure linearity test

Answer 12

they take MA stations next to each other and test them in a row.
they have to be within 10% with one another 

Question 13

exposure reproducibility

Answer 13

The same exposure repeated. same mAs and Kvp repeated over and over
-5%

Question 14

how do you test AEC?


Answer 14

use phantoms to simulate variations in patient thickness 

Question 15

Quality control of digital equipment


Answer 15

1. initial acceptance testing when you equipment is purchased it is tested to make sure it matches specifications also after a major repair!
2. CR plate maintenance inspect and clean imaging plate regularly watch for dust! Plate needs to be erased every 24 to 48 hours.
3. CR reader processor- calibrate annually,
4. DR plate maintenance inspect and clean regularly detector calibration 

Question 16

monitors

Answer 16

-they need to be dust free.
-Most monitors are flat panel, LCD screens that are designed to reduce the effect of ambient lighting monitors control the brightness of the image. 

Question 17

lead checks

Answer 17

• performed annually to check for brakes and lead lining using image intensified fluoroscopy equipment as preferred.
• lead aprons should never be folded it will lead to cracks.

Question 18

in what format must images being so that they can be sent through out the image viewing system?

Answer 18

DICOM
Makes it possible for equipment from different manufacturers to communicate with each other