Quality assurance Flashcards
QA programmes
a plan of action to ensure x-ray facilities will produce consistent, high quality images with a minimum of exposure to pts, staff + the public
Concerned with
image quality, patient dose, films + processing, training, audits
ALARP sometimes ALARA (achievable)
as low as reasonably possible - one of the main areas of QA programme ensures doses are kept ALARP
It is important
that all x-ray equip complies with current recommendations + is appropriately maintained in order to achieve this
Grading
we use a scoring system to ensure we are consistently producing good, quality radiographs
Grade 1
excellent
Grade 2
diagnostically acceptable
Grade 3
unacceptable - retake required
These results
need to be easily recorded after every radiograph so that they can be analysed on a regular basis
Audits
need to be stored for a minimum of 2 years
What does this mean?
regular equipment testing to detect malfunction
planned monitoring
scheduled maintenance
regular assessment other aspects that affect image quality
What are the benefits of QA?
good clear radiographs aid diagnosis
less radiation dose to pts
radiographs are produced under most favourable conditions
fewer repeat radiographs - save time + cost
regular testing ensures compliance with regulations
What we must do
-Radiation safety must be checked at least every 3 years to ensure that x-ray sets are adequately shielded to prevent stray radiation - must have regular professional maintenance
-use of fastest films (e + f speed) allow shortest possible exposure time. Cassettes should be fittest with fastest rare earth intensifying screens
-plastic aiming cones are not acceptable, must have rectangular collimator tubes to further reduce beam size
This will all reduce scatter by 40%
