Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Radiographic Imaging

Vocabulary flashcards covering QA/QC concepts, roles, processes, and common radiographic artifacts described in the notes.

Quality Assurance (QA)

A programmatic approach focusing on people and processes to ensure quality patient care; monitors systems such as scheduling, reception, preparation, and overall care.

Quality Control (QC)

A program focused on instrumentation and equipment to ensure the radiologist obtains an optimal image; more tangible and observable than QA.

Joint Commission (TJC)

A health-care accreditation body that promotes formal QA models and the Ten-Step Monitoring and Evaluation Process.

The Ten-Step Monitoring and Evaluation Process

A structured 10-step framework used by TJC to resolve identified patient care problems, including assigning responsibility, outlining scope, data collection, evaluation, and communication.

Acceptance testing

Initial testing to verify that new or upgraded equipment meets specifications before use.

Routine performance monitoring

Regular checks to ensure ongoing equipment performance meets standards.

Maintenance

Actions taken to keep equipment functioning; includes corrective and preventive steps.

Preventive maintenance

Scheduled maintenance intended to prevent equipment failures and reduce repair needs.

Medical physicist

A professional who oversees QC programs, performs measurements, and ensures safe, effective radiographic practice.

Three levels of testing (Level I–III)

A framework where Level I is noninvasive/simple, Level II is noninvasive/complex, and Level III is invasive/complex testing.

Level I testing

Noninvasive and simple testing to verify basic system function.

Level II testing

Noninvasive but more complex testing to assess additional performance aspects.

Level III testing

Invasive and complex testing requiring deeper access to systems or procedures.

Screen-film radiographic artifacts

Undesirable irregularities in a radiographic image arising from factors other than proper tissue shadowing.

Artifact

An undesirable irregularity on an image not caused by the proper shadowing of tissue.

OD (optical density)

A measure of radiographic image darkness; used to assess and optimize image density.

Exposure artifacts

Artifacts caused by factors during exposure, such as motion or positioning errors.

Processing artifacts

Artifacts caused by film processing, such as chemical or mechanical issues in the processor.

Handling artifacts

Artifacts resulting from handling and storage of film or radiographic media.

Motion (exposure artifact)

Blur on an image caused by patient movement during exposure.

Improper patient position

Incorrect patient positioning during exposure, leading to distortion or misrepresentation.

Wrong screen-film match

Mismatch between the screen type and film that degrades image quality.

Poor screen contact

Gaps between the screen and film causing loss of detail and uneven exposure.

Double exposure

Exposing the same film twice, producing ghost images or superimposed structures.

Warped cassette

Deformed cassette that distorts the radiographic image.

Improper grid position

Misaligned grid producing grid-related artifacts and density variations.

Emulsion pickoff

Separation of the emulsion from the film base during processing, causing image loss.

Gelatin buildup

Accumulation of gelatin on film during processing, affecting image quality.

Curtain effect

A processing artifact causing a shadowed or curtain-like appearance on the image.

Chemical fog

Uneven or unwanted fog due to processing chemicals affecting image contrast.

Guide-shoe marks

Artifacts from guide shoes in the processor caused by improper handling.

Pi lines

Fine lines or patterns on film arising from processing irregularities.

Darkroom fog

Fogging in the darkroom that reduces contrast and image quality.

Light fog

Processing-related fog characterized by a general light haziness on the image.

Radiation fog

Fog-like overexposure or unintended exposure related to radiation effects.

Static

Static electricity marks on film from handling or environment.

Kink marks

Creases or bends in film causing linear artifacts.

Hypo retention

Residual fixer chemical on film causing stain or image irregularities.

Stain

Discoloration on film due to chemical residues such as hypo retention.

Scratches

Physical scratches on film resulting in line or arc-shaped artifacts.

SID indication

Verification that the proper source-to-image distance (SID) is used and indicated on the image.

Automatic collimation check

Regular verification that the auto-collimator is correctly limiting the beam.

Lead apron check

Inspection to ensure lead aprons provide proper shielding and integrity.

Program review

Periodic evaluation of the QA/QC program’s effectiveness and compliance.

Radiation safety review

A formal safety review conducted at defined intervals (e.g., every 2 years) to ensure compliance and safety.