Quality Assurance Flashcards
What legislation tells us to quality assure?
IRMER 2000 - employer shall establish QA for standard operation procedures
Ensure practitioner undertakes CPD
What must be in writing re. QA programme?
Named person
Details of procedure
Frequency of procedure
What is observe re. QA programmes?
Image quality Equipment Processing Working procedures Training Audit
What should be in place re. Image quality
Image quality rating system
Film reject analysis
Describe the image quality rating system
Assesses all images produced
Grade film 1-3
Results collated at least every 6 months
Result fed back to staff
What is meant by image quality 1
Excellent- no errors of patient prep, exposure, positioning, procession or film handling
What is meant by image quality rating 2?
Diagnostically acceptable - some errors but do not detract from diagnostic utility of image
What is meant by image quality rating 3?
Unacceptable diagnostically- may require repeat
What are the targets re. Grade 1 films?
Over 70%
What are the targets re. g2?
Less than 20%
What is the target re grade 3 films?
Less than 10%
What does the film reject analysis aim to do?
Collect all grade 3 films
Assess and categorise faults
Repeat monthly and compare
What does IQRS audit cycle do?
Assess
Grade
Results
Feedback
How often does X-ray equipment require to be tested?
Preferably annually. Minimum every 3 years
Under what conditions should films be stored?
30-60% humidity
Away from radiation and sunlight
18-34degrees
How should digital plates be stored?
Cool and not too humid
Avoid direct sunlight
Light protected
Erased if not used for 24 hours
What is sensitometry?
Daily check of developer
Compares film processed with fresh chemicals compared to exhausted chemicals
What is a step wedge?
A means of testing sensitometry
What can be common problems during film processing?
Poor handling- bends and crimps
Insufficient training- overlaps
Light- fogging
What can be causes of fogged films?
Light entering loading system or dark room
What test can be used to test light exposure ?
Coin test
How can human error be reduced?
Introducing SOP
improve working environment
Encourage reporting without blame