For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND
QAULITY CONTROL
Presented by: DAVE H. CALING, RRT, MSRT(c)
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Review Objectives
•Differentiate between quality improvement/management, quality
assurance, quality control.
•Illustrate the process of quality assurance and its requirements.
•Give examples of the various tools employed in quality control tests.
•Explain Methods of evaluating screens for undesirable speed loss and
film-screen contact.
•Assess results of basic quality control tests.
•Solve problems in quality assurance and quality control procedures for
darkroom, radiographic equipment, and accessories.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Quality Assurance
•QA is a proactive process focused on
ensuring that processes are designed to
prevent defects and maintain quality.
•Systematic activities are implemented.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Quality Assurance
•Preventing problems through planned and
systematic activities.
•Ensuring the quality of the processes used
to create the product or service.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Check RIS
Patient
Preparation
Facility
Preparation
Positioning Processing
Evaluation
and Analysis
Send to
PACS
BASIC PROCESS
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
BASIC PROCESS
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Quality Control
•QC is a reactive process that involves the
operational techniques and activities used to
fulfill requirements for quality.
•It is the part of QA that ensures products
and services meet consumer
expectations.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Quality Control
•Identifying defects in the finished
product or service.
•Correcting problems after they
have occurred.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Process
Product
Human Factor
Instrumentation and equipment
Prevent
Correct
Maintain
Reactive
Ensures that imaging equipment produces accurate and
reliable results.
Ensures protocols for safe and effective imaging are in place.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Quality Assurance
•Performing regular
equipment calibration
and maintenance.
•Conducting tests.
•Implementing
corrective actions in
equipment or
processes.
Quality Control
•Developing protocols
and procedures
•Training and certifying
staff
•Regularly reviewing
and updating
procedures.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Quality Management
•QM is a comprehensive approach that
combines QA and QC with the overall
management processes to improve efficiency
and effectiveness.
•It involves continuous improvement,
customer satisfaction, and strategic planning.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
A quality control program includes the
following three levels of testing:
•Level I: Non-invasive and Simple
•Level II: Non-invasive and Complex
•Level III: Invasive and Complex
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Quality Assurance
System and
Requirements
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
QA Process
PLAN
Establish
Objective and
Standards
Create Policy
and Procedure
DO
Train Personnel
Implement QA
Monitor and
Measure
Performance
CHECK
Conduct Audits
and review
Analyze Data
and
Improvements
ACT
Implement
Corrective and
Preventive
Actions
Review Updated
QA
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
QA Process -PLAN
•Establish Quality Objectives and Standards
•Define Objectives
•Develop Standards
•Create QA Policies and Procedures
•Develop Protocols
•Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
QA Process -DO
•Train and Certify Personnel
•Staff Training
•Certification
•Implement QA Activities
•Routine Equipment Checks
•Preventive Maintenance
•Calibration
•Monitor and Measure Performance
•Data Collection
•Performance Metrics
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
QA Process -CHECK
•Conduct Audits and Reviews
•Internal Audits
•External Audits
•Analyze Data and Identify Improvements
•Data Analysis
•Root Cause Analysis
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
QA Process -ACT
•Implement Corrective and Preventive Actions
(CAPA)
•Corrective Actions
•Preventive Actions
•Review and Update QA Program
•Continuous Improvement
•Stakeholder Engagement
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
QA Requirements for Quality Assurance
Regulatory
Compliance
Qualified
Personnel
Standardized
Procedures
Equipment
Standards
Quality
Monitoring
System
Continuous
Improvement
Safety
Standards
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
QA Requirements for Quality Assurance
1. Regulatory Compliance
•Standards
•Licensing
2. Qualified Personnel
•Certification
•Continuous Education
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
QA Requirements for Quality Assurance
3. Standardized Procedures
•Protocols and SOPs
•Consistency
4. Equipment Standards
•Performance Standards
•Regular Maintenance
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
QA Requirements for Quality Assurance
5. Quality Monitoring Systems
•Data Collection Tools
•Performance Metrics
6. Continuous Improvement
•Feedback Mechanisms
•Improvement Plans
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
QA Requirements for Quality Assurance
7. Safety Standards
•Radiation Safety
•Emergency Procedures
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
QUALITY CONTROL
TOOLS, MATERIALS, and
EQUIPMENT
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
PHANTOMS
Phantoms are objects that simulate human tissues and are used to
evaluate the performance of imaging equipment.
Types:
•Anthropomorphic Phantoms: Resemble human anatomy and are
used for more realistic simulations.
•Geometric Phantoms:Simple shapes used for calibration and basic
performance tests e.g., Cheese Phantom, Bar Phantom, Water
Phantom
Application:Used to assess image quality, alignment, and the performance of various imaging
modalities such as X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Dosimeters
Devices that measure the amount of radiation exposure.
Types:
•ThermoluminescentDosimeters (TLDs): Measure absorbed dose by
storing energy and later releasing it as light when heated.
•Ionization Chambers: Measure the charge produced by ionizing
radiation in a gas-filled chamber.
Application: Used to monitor radiation doses received by patients and staff, and to verify that
equipment is operating within safe exposure limits.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Densitometers
Instruments that measure the
optical density of film-based
radiographic images.
Application: Used in film radiography to ensure proper
exposure and processing of radiographic films.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Step Wedge Phantom
Device with steps of increasing thickness used to
evaluate the dynamic range and contrast response of
an imaging system.
Application: Dynamic range testing
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Alignment Tools
Tools such as lasers, markers, and rulers used to ensure
proper alignment of imaging equipment.
Application: Used to check and adjust the alignment of X-ray tubes, detectors,
and patient positioning systems.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Lead Test Tools
Tools such as lead strips and blocks used to test the integrity
and effectiveness of shielding materials.
Application: Ensures that protective barriers, such as lead aprons and shields, provide
adequate protection against radiation.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Wire Mesh
Often referred to as mesh tool, is a grid-like structure made of fine
wires that create a pattern of small squares. It is typically used to
evaluate the uniformity and resolution capabilities of radiographic
systems.
Example: Film-Screen Contact Test
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Star Pattern Phantom
Star pattern phantom is a test
tool with radial pattern used to
evaluate the focal spot size and
resolution of the imaging
system.
Application: Focal Spot and Resolution Testing
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Slit Camera
A slit camera consist of a thin slit
that is used to measure the focal
spot size of the x-ray tube.
Application: Focal spot size Measurement
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Resolution Test Patterns
Patterns with lines or grids used to evaluate the spatial
resolution of imaging systems.
Image Quality Test Patterns
Standardized patterns used to evaluate various aspects of
image quality, including contrast, resolution, and noise.
Application: Used to test the resolving power of imaging equipment, ensuring the ability to
distinguish fine details in images.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Line Pair Phantom
Phantom consist of series of parallel lines with varying
spacing. The phantom is used to measure the spatial
resolution of an imaging system.
Application: Spatial resolution testing
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Cheese Phantom
Named for their resemblance to Swiss cheese.
They contain various holes or inserts that can be filled
with different substance to stimulate different tissue
types or densities
Application: Uniformity Test, Contrast and Density Resolution, Beam
Hardening, Quality Assurance in RadThera
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Duke Phantom
A sophisticated anthromorphic
phantom used for variety of
imaging quality control test,
including CT and MRI
Application: Comprehensive QC
testing
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Bar Phantom
•A tool consisting of parallel bars or lines of varying
thickness and spacing.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Spinning Top
A device used to evaluate the accuracy of the timer and
rectification in Xrayequipment. Its consists of small,
opaque disk with a central pin, which can be spun to
create an image on a radiograph.
Application: Timer Accuracy, and Rectifier Function
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
REJECT FILM ANALYSIS
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
One of the main goals of any radiology facility
should be to minimize patient exposure.
Reject Image → Repeat Exposure → ↑ Patient Dose (Exposure)
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
“…rejects are patient images that are
discarded by the technologist without being
presented to the radiologist.”(Zagoudis, 2019)
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Collect all reject films daily.
Record numbers of reject films
Recount films; stored
Original film count minus the end film count
Analyze data
REJECT
FILM ANALYSIS
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
A reject rate of 10% or more should be considered
unacceptable. A reject rate of 5% to 10% justifies continued
monitoring.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
In a department, 500 films were processed in one
week. During a reject film analysis, it was found
that 25 films were rejected. What is the overall
reject rate for the week?
A. 4%
B. 5%
C. 6%
D. 7%
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
A hospital reviews their reject rate quarterly. Over
the last quarter, they processed 1800 films and
rejected 90 films. What is their quarterly reject rate?
A. 4.5%
B. 5%
C. 5.5%
D. 6%
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
A department processes 750 films monthly, and their goal
is to have a reject rate no higher than 3%. Last month, 28
films were rejected. Did they meet their goal?
A. Yes, because the reject rate is 2.8%
B. Yes, because the reject rate is 3.2%
C. No, because the reject rate is 2.8%
D. No, because the reject rate is 3.2%
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Accessories
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Calipers
Care
•Handle with care as they are easily
bent or broken.
•Any distortion may mean that they
are no longer accurate.
•Store in a safe but convenient
place.
•Clean regularly
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
POSITIONING AIDS
A useful aid to maintaining the position of the patient. A range
of pad sizes and shapes should be available in each X-ray
room. They must be radiolucent.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Routine care
Care of positioning pads should be ongoing.
•Try to minimisethe risk of contamination by:
•Contrast media
•Plaster of Paris
•Blood
•Urine
• Inspect and wash regularly.
• Do not use for any other purpose.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Lead Apron and Gloves
•These lead-based garments
serve as the standard
radiation attenuating shields
for operating personnel.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
ProcedureFrequency
Equipment /
Materials
Evaluation Action
Calliper
Monthly / a
necessary
Calliper and
measuring device
Should be accurate to
within + or -2mm.
Bend and tighten arm
Positioning
Aids
6 months / as
necessary
Pads to be inspected,
Xray, cassette, lead
marker
Look for radio opaque
shadows within the
pad.
If radiopaque shadows
are detected, wash and
dry the pad.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Rationale Frequency Equipment / Materials
Grid line Damage
test
To test if grid contribute to
unequal densities in the
image
6 months/ as
necessary
Grid to be tested; loaded
cassette; lead marker
Test -Lead Apron
and Gloves
Cracking
To test efficiency of apron and
glove in protecting us from
ionizing Radiation
Yearly or as
necessary
Items to test; loaded cassette
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Evaluation Action
Grid line Damage test (+) unequal densities Retest or replace grid; file report
Test -Lead Apron and
Gloves Cracking
(+) presence of densities i.e.
crack like black lines.
Replace; cut up (if posssible) e.g. gonadal
shielding; file a report
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
COLLIMATORS
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
The collimator/sometimes referred to as
the light beam diaphragm (LBD).
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Collimator QAQC
•Visual Inspection
•Accuracy of Scales Test
•Light Beam / X-ray Beam Alignment
•Shutter Efficiency Test
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Rationale Frequency Equipment / Materials
Accuracy of scale
Test
To test inaccuracy of scales
may lead to inaccurate
collimation i.e. visual
assessment of the light field
size.
6 months
collimator and a measuring
device e.g. 100 cm ruler
Light beam/X-ray
beam alignment
test
To test Light from collimator =
X-ray beam exposure to the
region of interest.
6 months / as
necessary
10x12 loaded cassette;
Alignment test tool/eight (8)
coins/four (4) paper clips; lead
marker
Shutter efficiency
test
To test the complete colsing
of collimator shutters
6 months 10X12 loaded cassette
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Set 100 cm
focus to
tabletop
distance.
Setvarious
aperture
sizes with the
light on
Measurethe
resultant light
areas at table
top level.
Compare
with settings
on the
collimator.
Accuracy of Scales Test
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
X-ray Tube
perpendicular
to the table
SID 100 cm
IR facing X-ray
Tube
Turn on
collimator
light
CR middle of
the IR
Collimate to
within the
edge of the
cassette,
leaving a 3cm
border all
round
Light Beam/X-ray Beam Alignment Test
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Light Beam/X-ray Beam Alignment Test
Alternative method instead of using coins
•Use four paper clips, each bent to form right
angles.
•Place paper clips at corners of light field.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
IR on table facing up
SID 100
Set 80 kVpand 40 mAs
Open one set of shutter, close the second one
Reverse Shutter
Process the film, then evaluate
Process Film
Shutter
Efficiency
Test
Make Exposure
Make Exposure
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Evaluation Action
Accuracy of
scale Test
Light area measured = setting on
collimator.
If unequal: Call engineer and file report
Light beam/X-
ray beam
alignment test
At 100 SID: irradiated area must not
be 10 mm smaller or larger than
area covered by light
If unacceptable: call engineer and file
report
Shutter
efficiency test
(-) no exposure to radiation. (+)
densities are observed
If otherwise: call engineer and file
report
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Cassette, Films, and
Intensifying Screens
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Cassette
•An X-ray cassette is a
light-resistant container
that protects the film from
exposure to daylight, holds
the film between two
intensifying screens and
allows the passage of X-
rays through the front
cover on to the film.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Intensifying Screens
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Spectrum Matching
•Calcium Tungstate emits a broad blue
spectrum.
•Rare earth emits a green spectrum.
•The film, screens and safelight must match.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Cassette and Screen QAQC
•Cassette Inspection
•Light Leakage Test
•Intensification Screen Inspection
•Film/screen contact test
•Film-screen compatibility test
•Intensifying Screen
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Rationale Frequency Equipment / Materials
Cassette Light
leakage test
To test if white light can leak
into the cassette
Yearly or as
necessary
cassette to be tested
Film-screen
Contact Test
To test the close contact of
screen and film inside of the
cassette
Yearly or as
necessary
cassette to be tested; Test tool
e.g. paper clips, sheet of
perforated zinc, fine wire
mesh.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Load Cassette with new film
Expose to WHITE LIGHT
15-30 mins
Turn cassette, and repeat
Process film
Cassette Light
leakage test
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Load Cassette with new film
Set SID 150 cm
Put test tool over cassette
Collimate
Place marker
Set exposure 50 kV and 6 mAs
Process film
FS Contact
Test
Make Exposure
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Evaluation Action
Cassette Light
leakage test
(+) black fogging at edge of the filmRepair ore replace / file report
Film-screen
Contact Test
(+) localized blurring; When using
wire mesh (+) area of higher density;
Repair or replace cassette/ file report
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Rationale Frequency Equipment / Materials
Film-screen
compatibility /
Color emission
test
To test if light emitted by the
IS iscompatible with the film
sensitivity.
As necessary Screens to be tested
IS consistency
test
To test if same IS with
different age have the same
result i.e. density in the image
Yearly or as required
Step wedge; water phantom;
four (4) loaded cassette;
densitometer
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Open cassette –no film
Set SID 100 cm
Put open cassette over table
Turn off light/reduce to minimum
Set exposure 80 kV and max time
Observe during exposure
Film-screen
compatibility /
Color
emission test
Make Exposure
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Set SID 100 cm
Put step wedge over IR, collimate
Set exposure –to show step wedge
Process film, and label each
Repeat procedure
Use densitometer to measure density
IS consistency
test
(METHOD 1)
Make Exposure
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Place all 4 IR on table -touching
corners
Place water phantom over the
corners
Collimate
Use densitometer to measure density
IS consistency
test
(METHOD 2)
Make Exposure
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Evaluation Action
Film-screen
compatibility /
Color emission
test
Note light emitted form the screen
and compare it to the film sensitivity
Relabelor change either one of the pairs
i.e. film, IS
IS consistency
test
(+) noticeable variation in density
between strips of film/film. (+)
densitometer reading >10% from
each film strips/film
(1) re-screen all cassette if (+) results; (2)
Label for appropriate exposure factors i.e.
adjusted kVp, adjusted mAs
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
TECHNICAL FACTORS
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Strictly speaking the term, “exposure”
refers to the quantity of radiation to which
the patient is exposed.
•kVp=kilovolt peak
•mA =milliamperage
•Time=time
•SID=Source to Image Receptor Distance
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Rationale Frequency Equipment / Materials
Radiation Output
Reproducibility
Test
To check that the radiation
output is consistent when
identical exposures and
conditions are used.
At the start of QC
program; Yearly; as
necessary
Water phantom; two (2) sheets
of lead; 10 x 12 loaded
cassette
Accuracy of Timer
Test
A test to check the accuracy
of the X-ray unit timer. For 1
and/or 2 pulse unit only.
At the start of QC
program; Yearly; as
necessary
Manually operated spinning
top; One (1) loaded 10x12
cassette; Two (2) sheets of
lead.
Accuracy of kVP
To check that the generator is
producing the kVp set on the
control panel.
Equipment is first
installed; Yearly; as
necessary
kVpmeter; generator
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
IR on table facing up -SID 100
Cover 1/3 of IR with lead
Collimate to unexposed area
Place water phantom over IR
Set 80 kVpand 40 mAs
Repeat procedure each section
Process Film
Radiation
Output
Reproducibility
Test
Make Exposure
USE Densitometer
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
IR on table facing up -SID 100
Cover 1/3 of IR with lead
Collimate to Spinning top
Set exposure:70 kV, 100 mA and a time of 0.1 sec.
Manually spin top –medium speed
Repeat procedure each section
Process Film
Accuracy of
Timer Test
Make Exposure
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Spinning Top Test
•Used to test the efficiency of a single
phase timer
•Appearance: series of dots or dashes
•Half-wave and self rectified: ____ pulse
(dots) / second
•Full wave: _____ pulse (dots) / second
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Oscilloscope/Synchronous Spinning Top Test
•Used to test the efficiency of a three phase timer
•Three phase: 360 degrees / second
•Appearance: Solid Arc
•Formula:
•Arc = (360 degrees) (time in second)
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Place the sensor in the -X-ray beam
SID 100 cm
Collimate to cover sensor
Take readings at 10 kVpinterval
50 kVpto maximum kVpavailable.
Use standard mA and time throughout.
Repeat this procedure for each tube focus available
Accuracy of
kVptest
(kVpmeter)
Make Exposure
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Evaluation Action
Radiation Output
Reproducibility Test
(+) densities from four (4) exposure
not identical
(1) Repeat exposure in diff time and date
*always note time, date, exposure factors,
SID. (2) Call engineer (3) file a report
Accuracy of Timer
Test
Based on Spinning top formula
(1) Diff spots in each image = inaccurate =
repaet another time (2) Same spots in
each image BUT less or more than
expected = FAULT is consistent.
Accuracy of kVP
The measured kVp must be = +/-5
kVp in each epxosure
Call engineer
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
DARKROOM
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
DARKROOM
•The light-tight room in which, the processing of
radiographs is carried out.
•The darkroom is a vital link in the chain leading
to standard high quality radiographs.
•A well positioned and exposed radiograph can
easily be ruined by poor processing.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Responsibilities of staff using the darkroom
1.Use correct processing routines
2.Use darkroom correctly and safely
3.Carry out correct QC routines regularly
4.Ensure that regular, thorough cleaning is
carried out
5.Report or fix all faults immediately
6.Ensure that sufficient stock is maintained
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Safelight
A darkroom should be fitted with appropriate safe
lighting. There are several different forms of safelighting
available.
•Conventional safelight-smalllighttight box with a light
filter window, fitted with bulb and socket.
•Simple bulb with filter coating.
•Colouredfluorescent light tube.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Rationale Frequency Equipment / Materials
Darkroom White
Light Leakage Test
To identify if there are white
leaks that can enter the
darkroom and cause fogging
with the film.
6 months; After
renovation or
anything; as
necessary
Chalk; insulation tapes
White Light
Fogging Test
To identify if there are white
leaks that can enter the
passbox and cause fogging
with the film.
6 months / as
necessary
One 8 x 10 film; One card
board of the same size
Safelight Efficiency
Test
To identify if the saflight
causes fogging to the films.
Every 6 or 12
months
Loaded 10x12 cassette; Two
card of the same size; One
timing clock; 10x12 lead sheet
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Turn on all lights outside ofdarkroom.
Switch off all darkroom lights, including
safelights.
Ensure that any doors are closed.
Remain in the darkroom for 10 minutes
Look around the darkroom
Darkroom
White Light
Leakage Test
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Turn on all lights in areas adjacent to darkroom.
Switch off darkroom lights including safelights.
Ensure that any doors are closed.
Place the sheet of film on the workbench.
Cover half of the film with the sheet of card.
Leave for 3 minutes.
Process film
White Light
Fogging
Test
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Safe Light Efficiency Test
Evaluation
•Section A
•Sensitisedby radiation.
•Not exposed to safelights.
•Section B
•Sensitisedby radiation.
•Exposed to safelights in 8 strips
varying in length of exposure
from 30 seconds to 4 minutes.
•Section C
•Not sensitisedby radiation.
•Exposed to safelight in 8 strips
varying in length of exposure
from 30 seconds to 4 minutes.
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Evaluation Action
Darkroom White Light
Leakage Test
(+) signs of white light leaks -doors,
windows, extractor fans, air vents,
entry pipes
Identify and seal light sources; Repat; fie
report
White Light Fogging
Test
(+) density of uncovered and covered
side is unequal
Identify and seal light sources; Repat; fie
report
Safelight Efficiency
Test
(+) Compare densities of Columnc
and strips (-) safelight handling time
(SHT) is 3 minutes
Modifications of the sfaelightshould be
done if SHT is short
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
VCH, Examination Table,
and Bucky
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Rationale Frequency Equipment / Materials
Alignment of the
x-ray beam to
table test
To check if the two
mentioned equipment are
aligned to each other
Yearly or as
necessary
Equipment to be tested
Column Vertical
Test
To test the column of the x-
ray mounting
Yearly or as
necessary
Spirit level; plumb bob;
equipment to be tested
Cross-arm is
vertical
To test if the cross arm
mounting of the x-ray tube is
horizontal
Yearly or as
necessary
Spirit level; meter ruler;
equipment to be tested
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Evaluation Action
Alignment of the x-
ray beam to table test
(+) center line of the field does not
remain in the center
Carry out the following test to determine
exact problem
Column Vertical Test
(+) bubble is not in the center (+)
string is not parallel to the column
Call engineer; File report
Cross-arm is vertical
(+) bubble is not in the center (+)
measurement in fron and back are
not equal
Call engineer, file report
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Rationale Frequency Equipment / Materials
Test Accuracy of
FFD (SID)
To test if the SID is accurate
After installation;
changes to the
equipment; as
necessary
Tape measure; equipment to be
tested
Potter Bucky -
Operation Test
To check for the mechanical
movement of the potter bucky
Yearly; as necessaryPotter buckyto be tested
Potter Bucky -Grid
Movement
To check for movement of the
installed grid
Yearly; as necessary
Bucky to be tested; loaded 11 x
14
Potter Bucky -
CasetteCenter
To check if the cassette
loaded in the bucky is aligned
with the x-ray beam
Yearly; as necessary
Bucky to be tested; marker
(coin); Loaded 11 x 17
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
Procedure Evaluation Action
Test Accuracy of FFD
(SID)
(+) Inaccuracy in measurement
Inform staff about inaccuracy; call
engineer; remarkings of SID especially 100
cm
Potter Bucky -
Operation Test
(+) difficulty in movement (+) bucky
and casettelock faulty
(1) Look for obstruction (2) lubricate (3)
Repair or replace (4) call engineer (5) file
report
Potter Bucky -Grid
Movement
(+) Grid lines are visble= grid did not
move or slow movement
(1) check for obstruction (2) retest (3) call
engineer (4) inform staff (5) file report
Potter Bucky -Casette
Center
(+) coin is not in the middle of the
film i.e. the distance of the coin from
the four sides is unequal
(1) check buckytray and cassette clamp
(2) call engineer (3) file report
For TopRankFuture RRTs 2024 ONLY –D. H. Caling
THANK YOU AND
GODBLESS!