Quality Control Program for Radiographic Units Flashcards
Quality Control Program for Radiographic Units
- Visual inspection
- Environmental inspection
- Performance testing
It includes checking the main components of the equipment for the proper function, mechanical condition and safety.
Visual Inspection
Visual Inspection should be performed
at least annually using a checklist
Visual Inspection should include:
- Control panel
- Overhead tube crane
- Radiographic table
- Protective lead apparel
Contains all the selectors for the production of X-ray and the various meters.
Control Panel
Inspection (for control panel) should include:
- Tube heat sensor
- Overload protection indicator
- Panel lights, meters and switches
Inspection (for control panel) should also ensure the
proper view of the exposure room,
correct exposure switch placement and
presence of an up-to-date technique chart.
Mounting bracket that holds the x-ray tube over the x-ray table.
Overhead Tube Crane
Evaluation (for overhead tube crane) should include:
- Condition of the high-voltage cable and other wires
- Condition of the cable brackets, clamps, or tie downs
- Stability of the system
- Proper movement
- SID and angulation indicator function
- Lock function
- Bucky center light
- Collimator light
- Interlock system
Radiographic table should be kept ___ and ____.
clean
safe
Items to inspect for radiographic table
- Surface condition and cleanliness of table top
- Angulation switches and indicator
- Bucky tray and cassette locks
- Stability
- Condition of footboard and shoulder braces if any.
Protective Lead Apparel should be viewed
radiographed
or fluoroscopically
Protective Lead Apparel should check ____
upon acceptance
and every six months
Miscellaneous Equipment
- Presence of caliper
- Technique Chart
- Cleanliness of positioning devices and accessories
- Integrity of step tools and intravenous stands
Involves checking for mechanical and electrical safety.
Environmental Inspection
Environmental Inspection should be performed
annually
Environmental Inspection includes evaluation and checking of
- the conditions of X-ray tube high tension cables
- the covering on the outside of the cables
- Discoloration of outside insulation
- Mechanical condition of the X-ray tube counterweights and tracks
- Grounding of all equipment
Proper lubrication of moving parts should be provided
during inspection
Evaluates the performance of the x-ray generator and x-ray tube.
Performance Testing
Much of the data obtained in performance testing includes
radiation measurement
There are three types of detector used:
Ion chamber
Proportional counters
Geiger Mueller counter
useful for measuring X-ray
Ion chamber
measures small quantities of radioactive material
Proportional counters
often used for contamination control.
Geiger Mueller counter
The value obtained from the radiation detector is the radiation intensity measured in
Roentgen (R) or
the SI unit coulomb/kilogram (C/kg)
Any x-ray generator should produce the same intensity of radiation each time the same set of technical factors are used to make an exposure.
Reproducibility of Exposure
Maximum variability allowed in reproducibility of exposure is
±5%
Evaluation of reproducibility variance requires a
dosimeter
Similar type of X-ray generators and tube should emit the same amount of radiation per unit of X-ray tube current and time (mAs).
Radiation Output
Amount of radiation is measured in
R or C/kg