CH 9 QAQC PP

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) in Radiology

Introduction to QAQC

  • QAQC refers to Quality Assurance and Quality Control processes in radiology aimed at ensuring better patient care.

Importance of QAQC

  • Quality Assurance (QA): Documentation pertaining to policies and protocols related to patient care and safety.

    • Ensures safety and satisfactory performance of services offered to patients.

  • Quality Control (QC): Involves identifying and verifying actions necessary for equipment performance.

    • QC is an integral part of QA.

Activities of a Quality Assurance Program

  • Preventive maintenance

  • Quality control procedures

  • Equipment calibration

  • In-service education for personnel managing procedures involving:

    • Radiography

    • Laboratory equipment

    • Anesthesia machines

  • Evaluation of new products and technologies.

Purpose of a QAQC Radiology Program

  • Aim to minimize radiation exposure for:

    • Patients undergoing radiographic procedures.

    • Personnel assisting with the radiographs.

  • Ensures production of quality radiographs that enable accurate diagnoses.

  • Reduces the number of repeat films due to quality issues.

  • Most QAQC tests are conducted annually by:

    • Veterinary Technicians or designated service personnel.

  • All results from tests should be recorded in a QAQC log for future reference.

QAQC Testing for X-Ray Machines

  1. Source-Image Distance (SID): Measured using a tape measure and carpenter's level.

  2. Perpendicularity: Ensured with a carpenter's level.

  3. Tube/Table/Crane Locks: Verifies that these components function properly.

  4. X-ray Field Light: Tested with water and cloth.

  5. Light Field Size: Measured with a tape measure.

  6. Locks/Cables/Overhead Crane Movement: Assessed for functional integrity.

  7. Angulation Indicator: Checked using a carpenter's level and protractor.

  8. Light Field/X-ray Field Alignment: Verification done using nine pennies and a loaded cassette.

Nine Penny Test Detailed Procedures

  • Purpose: Verify the alignment of the x-ray field and collimator light.

  • Procedure:

    1. Center the X-ray tube above the table at a set distance (SID) of 40 inches and ensure the collimator is level.

    2. Place a loaded cassette in the Bucky tray, centered beneath the table.

    3. Set the collimator field indicators to approximately 6” x 8”.

    4. Turn the collimator light ON.

    5. Place one penny at the middle of each edge of the light field (both inside and outside).

    • Pennies should be touching each other at the edges.

    1. Take an exposure using settings suitable for imaging a carpus or stifle.

    2. Develop the film to check the results.

    3. The resultant x-ray should depict the pennies at their placed locations.

  • Measurement: The width of a penny is 0.75 inches, which is 0.2% of a 40-inch SID. If the alignment is off by the width of one penny, service personnel should be contacted for assistance.

Illustrative Figures

  • Figure 10-6: Light field/x-ray field alignment verification process.

  • Figure 10-7: Radiograph of the nine-penny test confirming satisfactory results within normal limits.