Notebook 11

Test Tolerance Limits Frequency & Equipment used to Performed by Explain purpose
Exceptions perform test

Focal spot size -<.8mm = 50% >than Annually -pinhole camera: Physicist Proper image detail
nominal permits measurement through focal spot
-.8mm 1.5mm = 40% of focal spot detail
larger -star test pattern:
->1.55mm = 30% imaging resolution
nominal pattern on film
-line pair resolution:
imaging resolution
pattern on film
Half-Value Layer -Varies depending on Annually -dosimeter: effect Physicist Radiation protection
kVp quality of aluminum and image quality
-if insufficient filtration that reduces
filtration, tube housing beam intensity to half
be modified for original value
additional aluminum
filtration
Collimator, CR, bucky -2% SID error between Semi-annually -lead marker: on each Physicist, service Avoid over-collimating
accuracy light field size and PBL not let primary corner and on personnel errors and
primary beam image beam be larger than crosshairs on edge unnecessary irradiated
-center light=1% of CR cassette unless there tissues
light field is an override
Distance and -distance indicator: Annually -distance: tape Technologist, QC tech, -correct detents,
centering indicators +,-10% measure physicist centering locks, stops,
accuracy -centering indicator: -centering: visual and centering
+,-2% -inverse square law
Angulator or Angles: +,-1% Annually -large protractor Accurate positioning
protractor accuracy -level for locks, stops, baselines
and detents

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Kilovoltage accuracy +,-5% Annually -computerized Physicist Technique exposure

dosimeter charts produce
-filtered ion chamber diagnostic quality
-filtered photodiode images

Timer accuracy +,-5% of label Annually -computerized Physicist Technique exposure

Tops are less accurate, dosimeter: single charts produce
time consuming, and phase diagnostic quality
difficult to see -spinning top: single images
phase
-motorized
synchronous top:
three phase
mR/mAs and -Milliamerage: +,-10% Annually -computerized Physicist Technique exposure
milliamperage -some recommend dosimeter accurately produce
linearity entire generator at -need mR/mAs diagnostic quality
+,-10% accuracy after kVp images
accuracy to get the
mA accuracy
Exposure +,-5%: if beyond the Annually -computerized Physicist To repeat exposure
reproducibility limit, entire series of Fluoroscopy, dosimeters accurately
tube and generator tomography, and
tests should be automatic exposure
analyzed controls require other
tests
(AEC) OD +,-0.1 in same Annually -produced and Technologist To repeat exposure
Exposure areas Same as for measured with accurately
reproducibility diagnostics densitometer and
radiography BUT with phantom
a subject phantom

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(AEC) If all chambers do not Annually -exact chamber Physicist, technologist Assure each ion
Ion chamber perform +,-10%, Measure location: use AEC w/o chamber is equally
sensitivity generator AEC reproducibility of each subject at very low sensitive
circuitry needs ion chamber (3) kVp
recalibration -then lead brick used
to block chambers not
being tested
-AEC reproducibility
used for unblocked
chamber
(AEC) N/A Annually -consultation of Technologist Maintain accuracy of
IR exposure variation equipment manuals AEC controls
control accuracy provides % of change
-computerized
dosimeter used to
employ mR/mAs to
verify intensity
differences
(AEC) as phantom thickness Annually -computerized Technologist Assure a diagnostic
Response capability reduces, exposures of Varies with dosimeter quality image is
+,-10% mR/mAs of manufacturer and -phantom produced under
one another until time model correct amount of
below minimum time
exposure time is used
(AEC) N/A Annually -lead plate used to Technologist Assure backup timer
Backup timer activate AEC shut-off signal works
verification accurately
(AEC) -range from 0 to 1: 1 = Annually -quality control test: Technologist Assure detectors
Digital radiography perfect DQE-measures ration systems work
detectors -higher DQE increase of transfer efficiency appropriately
ability to see low of detector as signal-

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contrast to-noise ratio squared

structures(preferred) going in compared to
going out

Although most of these tests are done by a physicist, it is crucial that a technologist reports and problems they may find and/or see and report
them to the QC technologist who then reports that to the physicist. A technologists weekly responsibilities include:

clean and inspect image receptors

clean DR cables and look for wear and tear
Image acquisition testing
cassette integrity testing
clean air intake in image receptor readers

Monthly responsibilities:

reject analysis
QC images that come through- marker placement, exposure techniques, collimation, etc.
clean imaging plates
artifact identification
report problems from rooms

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 Notebook 11

Line Pair Test: Star Test Tool:

Pinhole Camera:

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References

1. Carlton, R. R., Adler, A. M., & Frank, E. D. (2006). Principles of radiographic imaging: an art and a science. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson
Delmar Learning.
2. N. (2011, October 19). RT220 Fall 2011 Focal Spot Resolution QC TEST R. Cushman. Retrieved April 28, 2017, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PquVwir8kSI
3. Retrieved April 28, 2017, from http://www.pnwx.com/Accessories/NuclearAssociates/Rad-Fluoro/ProductDetail.php?PartNum=07-503-2

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