Chu Hui (Angela) Zeng 1152626
When the X-ray equipment has been installed successfully and has passed all acceptance tests, it needs to be monitored peri odically to ensure it continues to perform according to the manufacturer’s specifications (Papp, 2011). This periodic testing is known as the quality control testing and three parts are included: visual inspection, environmental inspection, and performance testing (Papp, 2011).
Visual inspection should be performed at least annually (Papp, 2011). The proper functioning of the main components of the equipment, mechanical condition, and safety are mainly checked during this procedure (Papp, 2011).
The visual inspections were conducted in X-ray room 4 and 5, B114 of the Institute of Applied Health Sciences on the McMaster University Campus. The items being inspected and corresponding comments are listed below.
Visual inspection should be performed at least annually (Papp, 2011). The proper functioning of the main components of the equipment, mechanical condition, and safety are mainly checked during this procedure (Papp, 2011).
The visual inspections were conducted in X-ray room 4 and 5, B114 of the Institute of Applied Health Sciences on the McMaster University Campus. The items being inspected and corresponding comments are listed below.
If some of the items fail to meet the requirements of visual inspection standards, then the quality of a diagnostic image will be affected and this can further impact the validity of a physician's diagnosis and the following treatment plan. Also, the patient dose will probably increase due to an inappropriate functioning of the system. This is not beneficial for a patient's health since unnecessary irradiation might have the power to harm normal organs and tissues. For example, if the SID indicator is not accurate within ±2% of the SID as required, then either magnification or minification would occur. Another example of the potential impacts of failure to meet the standard would be that if the SID indicator and angulation indicator do not work within the normal range, image distortions might occur and the worst consequence could be the misrepresentation of that pathology.
Some improvements can be made to improve the conditions and thus, services and image quality can be enhanced. Focusing on the measuring caliper, the joint between the measuring scale and the handle is a bit loose. The measurement of patient size can be more accurate by making the joint more tightly and thus, diagnostic images with better quality will be provided. In addition, the Velcro on the protective lead is not sticking well to some extent. By replacing the Velcro, the lead apron can cover the patient better and patient dose to unnecessary body parts can be reduced.
Some improvements can be made to improve the conditions and thus, services and image quality can be enhanced. Focusing on the measuring caliper, the joint between the measuring scale and the handle is a bit loose. The measurement of patient size can be more accurate by making the joint more tightly and thus, diagnostic images with better quality will be provided. In addition, the Velcro on the protective lead is not sticking well to some extent. By replacing the Velcro, the lead apron can cover the patient better and patient dose to unnecessary body parts can be reduced.
References:
Health Canada. (2008, January 1). Safety code 35: Safety procedures for the installation, use and
control of x-ray equipment in large medical radiological facilities. Retrieved February 20, 2015,
from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Papp, J. (2014). Quality management in the imaging sciences (5th ed.). St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby Elsevier.
Service Ontario. (2011). Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act.
Retrieved from http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900543_e.htm.
Health Canada. (2008, January 1). Safety code 35: Safety procedures for the installation, use and
control of x-ray equipment in large medical radiological facilities. Retrieved February 20, 2015,
from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Papp, J. (2014). Quality management in the imaging sciences (5th ed.). St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby Elsevier.
Service Ontario. (2011). Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act.
Retrieved from http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900543_e.htm.