Quality Assurance Flashcards
define quality assurance
an organised effort by staff to ensure that the DIAGNOSTIC images produced are of sufficiently HIGH QUALITY to consistently provide ADEQUATE DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION at the LOWEST COST and LEAST EXPOSURE to the patient
give 2 reasons why we need quality assurance
- it is impossible to eliminate human error (QA minimises)
2. we are told to by legislations
3 ways that human error can be minimised are
- SIMPLE systems introduced
- improve working ENVIRONMENT
- encourage REPORTING without BLAME
the 2 legislations are called…
- IR(ME)R 2000
2. IRR 99
what is the main function for IR(ME)R 2000?
to protect the patient
What is the main function for IRR 99?
to protect the public, the staff, the patient (with regards to equipment only)
name the 4 allocated roles of the IR(ME)R 2000 legislation..
- employer
- practitioner
- operator
- referrer
what are the 2 functions of the employer in IR(ME)R 2000 legislation?
- shall establish QA programs
2. shall ensure that all members of staff undertakes CPD
who is called as the operator in IR(ME)R 2000 legislation?
anyone who is involved with the production of a radiograph
who is the referrer in IR(ME)R 2000 legislation?
the one who refers the patient for a radiograph
Five necessities for a quality assurance program are…
- Named person
- Details of procedure involved
- Frequency of procedures carried out
- Frequency records being audited
- All of above in writing
6 main points to look at when carrying out a quality assurance program.
- image quality
- X-ray equipment
- processing
- working procedures
- training
- audit
which two ways can you audit image quality?
- image quality rating system
2. film reject analysis
regarding the image quality rating system, what are the 4 stages of rating?
- assess all images
- rate them 1,2, or 3
- collage results (analyse monthly, quarterly or at least 6 monthly)
- feedback information to staff
The criteria for a grade 1 image is..
- no errors with patient preparation
- no errors with positioning
- no errors with exposure
- no errors with processing or film handling
a grade 1 image can be described as..
excellent (very diagnostically useful)
a grade 2 image can be described as..
diagnostically acceptable, but with some errors
a grade 3 image can be described as..
an image with many errors leaving it diagnostically unacceptable
what are the targets for image quality rating system?
grade 1 = >70%
grade 2 =
what is film reject analysis?
where all graded 3 images are collected and assessed at the end of each month.
what are you looking for in film reject analysis?
- to catagorise faults and detect any trends
what is the IQRS audit cycle?
ASSESS (evaluate images) ^ GRADE images ^ RESULTS (analyse and look for improvement) ^ FEEDBACK
What is the minimum and ideal time between X-ray equipment tests?
minimum = every 3 years ideal = every 1 year
what must you do to every psp that has not been used in 24hrs?
erase the plate with bright light as background radiation could have tampered with the image.
3 ideal ways to store a psp?
- cool - not too humid
- avoid direct sunlight/UV
- preferably in an envelope - light protection and cross infection
how do you check the processor performance?
the sensitometric test
what is the sensitometric step wedge test?
A test that allows a comparison between a film developed in fresh chemistry and a film developed with an exhausted developer.
- a step-wedge is used (different metal thicknesses)
- when radiographed you should see from pale grey to black and if step not clear then can indicate an exhausted developer
what is the film developed in fresh chemistry called?
the standard reference film