QA Kit (example)
The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 require all x-ray departments to have
a quality assurance programme.
It is generally accepted that this should include:
- quick and straightforward measurements of x-ray equipment performance undertaken regularly by the staff
- more detailed measurements undertaken once a year as part of a radiation protection and equipment performance survey, normally carried out under the auspices of the Radiation Protection Adviser.
RPC can supply a quality control test kit to enable a department to undertake their own local measurements. We can provide a standard kit containing the most commonly used items of equipment, or we can tailor one to your specific requirements.
The standard kit includes a number of specially selected instruments:
- Sensidensitometer A combined instrument which exposes a film to a predetermined amount of light and then measures the density of the resulting steps. Two versions are available, one without and one with a computer Interface to enable the results to be down-loaded and analysed using the software provided. Unlike most sensidensitometers, this instrument can read density in the centre of a full size film and can be calibrated.
-
Digital thermometer for determining the temperature of the
developer. - Digital output meter for the assessment of X-ray tube output under both radiographic and fluoroscopic conditions. Also for checking the operation of automatic exposure control systems.
- Test object for the assessment of the constancy of fluoroscopic image quality.
- Copper filter for use with items 3. and 4.
- Test plate for checking the alignment of the light beam diaphragm. This has a special mount for testing vertical Bucky's.
- Test object for checking the geometry of conventional tomographic units.
- Light meter for checking uniformity of viewing boxes.
- Film screen contact test tool.
- QA Handbook and record sheets.
- Storage case.
Training
Included in the cost of the kit is on site training in the use of the equipment, and computer software and record sheets for analysing and storing the test results.
Optional supplementary kit for mammography
- Standard breast phantom for daily / weekly checks of automatic exposure control. Comprises three 2 cm and one 1 cm thick D-shaped Perspex interlocking plates with radio-opaque markers and carrying case.
- Image quality test object.
- kV meter if required.
- Film screen contact test tool suitable for mammography (Gammex-RMI).
Full details are available from RPC. For a quotation on the RPC QA Test Kit and Patient Dosimetry Service, please contact Zeenat Jeewa
