Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging

Paper Summary:

This paper examines diagnostic x-ray imaging quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). It defines QA and QC for diagnostic x-ray imaging and then discusses how this occurs within all areas of a radiology department. Lastly, the paper discusses the growth of quality assurance in pediatric radiology. The paper contains tables and images.

Table of Contents:
Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging Quality Assurance (QA)
Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging Quality Control (QC)
Radiographic Unit Monitoring
Sensitometery and Darkroom Monitoring
Use of Technique Charts
Analysis of Repeat Rates
Continuing Education
Repeat Analysis
Timer Quality Control in Radiographic Equipment
Collimator Quality Control
Vertical Beam Alignment Quality Control
Collimation
Focal-spot Size
Fluoroscopy Quality Control
Automatic Exposure Systems
Tomography Quality Control
Ensuring QC in Conventional Radiographic Systems
Radiation Safety/QA Program
Test Frequency
Different Types of Tests and Duration
Growth of Quality Assurance in Pediatric Radiology
Exhibits

From the Paper:

"The various parameters to be checked under radiography are (i) assessment of the focal spot size which is the surface area of the anode which is bombarded by the electron beam. In case of radiography machine, it ranges from 0.1 to 1.2 mm or more than that. In case of mammo-machines the values are 0.3 to 0.6. The assessment of focal spot size is applied to get a X-ray image having the least blur. Small focal spot are likely to concentrate heat and emits load on focal spot areas. In case the quantity of heat emitted at the time of an individual exposure is more than the track capacity, the anode surface is liable to melt. Besides, the assessment of the focal spot size is necessary to compare it with the original focal spot size with that of the machine. Also spot size of any machine is stated on the top of the X-Ray tube. (Mukhtar, n. d.)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bushong, Stewart. (n. d.) "Radiologic Science for Technologists"
• Carrol, Quinn. (n. d.) "Chapter-30: Fuch's Radiographic Exposure and Quality Control" pp: 394-422.
• Department of Health: New York State. (2007, May) "Guide for Radiation Safety/Quality Assurance Programs." Retrieved from http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/radiological/radiation_safety_guides/qalarge.htm
• Health Canada. (2006, Mar) "Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging Quality Assurance: An Overview." Retrieved October 12, 2007 from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/radiation/quality-assurance_art-qualite/intro_e.html
• Henshaw, E. T. (1990) "Quality Assurance in Diagnostic Radiology- For its own sake or that of the patient." International Journal for Quality in Health Care 2:213-218. Retrieved from http://intqhc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/2/3-4/213

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