Radiography QA/QC Flashcards

Flashcards about Quality Control and Assurance in Radiography.

What are QA/QC programs?

Quality assurance and quality control programs used in digital display devices.

What does Quality Assurance (QA) deal with?

Patients and services, focusing on the patient's experience from start to finish.

What is the focus of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)?

Improving the process within which employees function as team members for patient care.

What is the role of The Joint Commission (TJC)?

To ensure everyone is providing high-quality services and care, requiring QA/QC programs.

What is the orientation of Quality Control (QC)?

Product-oriented, focused on defect identification with a reactive approach, and is a corrective tool.

What does Quality Control (QC) monitor?

Radiology instrumentation, equipment, and evaluation of artifacts to ensure safe radiographic procedures and high-quality images.

What are the three steps in the process of a QC program?

1. Acceptance testing, 2. Performance monitoring, 3. Error maintenance

When is Acceptance Testing performed?

Before a machine is installed or any major repairs are made to current equipment, to determine if the equipment is working properly.

What is Performance Maintenance (PM)?

Various tests performed daily, monthly, quarterly, and annually to assure equipment is functioning properly and to avoid equipment failure.

When does Error Maintenance occur?

Due to poor equipment performance, requiring corrective action to be taken.

Why is QC Documentation important?

To keep consistent and accurate QC records, documenting any unacceptable results and the action plan for correction.

Name some Physicist’s Annual Testing tasks

Noise, Spatial Resolution, Contrast Resolution, Dose Response/Signal Dynamic Range, Detector Calibration, Dose Calibration, AEC Testing, kVp Calibration, Plate Reader Calibration, Residual Signal Erase, Image Artifacts, Repeat Analysis, Uniformity Test, Beam Filtration, Collimation, Monitor Display Function, Luminance & Reflection Testing

What QC testing must workstations have?

Regular QC testing. Radiologist’s viewing stations are higher quality than the Technologist’s. Tests are daily, monthly/quarterly, and annually.

What is the SMPTE test used for?

To determine whether contrast/brightness settings on a monitor are acceptable, observing 5% and 95% luminance patches.

What is the AAPM TG18-QC test?

A pattern (TG18-QC) used to provide an overall assessment of a monitor’s adjustment & calibration.

What does a photometer measure?

Light intensity at several areas of the illuminator on a workstation monitor (measures luminescence).

What are the elements of a QC program of radiographic systems?

Filtration, Collimation, Focal spot size, Spatial Resolution, PSP Imaging Plate Uniformity Test, PSP Imaging Plate Erasure Thoroughness, kVp calibration, Exposure timer accuracy, Exposure linearity, Exposure reproducibility

What is the state requirement for minimum total filtration?

2.5 mm Al, measured by checking HVL and checked annually or when a tube or tube housing is changed.

What does the Collimation/Beam Restriction Test test?

Beam alignment – to check the perpendicularity of the beam to IR. Most systems today have PBL collimators. PBL – automatically collimates to the size film being used

When is a small focal spot used?

When spatial resolution is needed.

When is a large focal spot used?

When a short exposure time is a priority and more photons are emitted.

What is Spatial Resolution?

The ability to render small objects on an image; smaller pixel size = better spatial resolution.

What does the PSP Uniformity Test assess?

The overall uniformity of the recorded signal from an exposed IP, assisting in detecting artifacts. Cassettes/IP must be cleaned regularly.

What does the PSP Imaging Plate Erasure Thoroughness test ensure?

Minimal residual signal (ghosting); white light is used to delete trapped energy from the IP.

What is AEC?

A method for setting exposures factors to ensure that a quality radiographic image is produced

What does Exposure Linearity test?

Ability of an x-ray unit to produce a constant radiation output for various combinations of mA and exposure time.

What does Exposure Reproducibility test?

kVp, mA, and time in successive exposures

What does the Protective Apparel Test include?

Aprons, gonadal shields, gloves checked for cracks, holes, or defects under fluoroscopy

What is the technologist's responsibility regarding malfunctions?

To report all malfunctions. If equipment failure, it must be repaired and the Physicist will recalibrate the system.

What is the average entrance skin exposure (ESE) for a fluoro exam?

3 to 5 rads/min

Exposure Rate

According to state law: ESE shall not exceed 10R/min for normal fluoro but ESE allowed up to 20R/min for interventional procedures