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Physics
Ch 13
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is quality assurance (QA) in radiography? | A program that ensures consistent, high-quality images and safe patient care through systematic evaluation of equipment and procedures. |
| What is quality control (QC)? | The operational techniques and tests used to monitor and maintain equipment performance. |
| Why is QA important? | To maintain image quality, ensure patient safety, minimize repeat exposures, and comply with regulations. |
| What is the difference between QA and QC? | QA is a program/plan, QC is the set of tests and procedures implemented as part of QA. |
| What are the major components of a QA program? | Equipment performance testing, image evaluation, personnel training, and documentation. |
| What is the purpose of daily QC tests? | To quickly identify equipment issues and ensure safe and consistent operation. |
| What is a visual inspection in QC? | Checking for obvious physical defects, cleanliness, and proper labeling of equipment. |
| What is a collimation light-field alignment test? | Verifying that the x-ray beam aligns with the light field and image receptor. |
| Why is light-field and x-ray field congruence important? | To ensure accurate positioning, avoid unnecessary exposure, and maintain image quality. |
| What is a source-to-image distance (SID) indicator test? | Check that the displayed SID matches the actual distance for accurate magnification and exposure. |
| What is a focal spot size test? | Measure the effective focal spot to ensure image sharpness is consistent with specifications. |
| What tool is used for focal spot measurement? | Pinhole camera, slit camera, or star pattern test tool. |
| What is kVp accuracy testing? | Verifying that the kilovoltage applied matches the indicated value to ensure proper image contrast. |
| Why is exposure timer accuracy important? | Incorrect exposure times can lead to under- or overexposed images, affecting patient dose and image quality. |
| What is reproducibility in x-ray QC? | Ability of the x-ray unit to produce consistent output at the same exposure settings. |
| What is linearity in QC testing? | Consistency of output when changing mA or mAs, ensuring proportional response. |
| What is the purpose of HVL (half-value layer) testing? | To measure beam quality and filtration; ensures proper patient dose and contrast. |
| What is the acceptable variation for exposure reproducibility? | Usually within ±5% of the expected output. |
| What is the acceptable variation for linearity? | Usually within ±10% between consecutive mA or mAs settings. |
| Why is proper maintenance of x-ray tubes important in QA? | To prevent unexpected failures, maintain image quality, and ensure patient safety. |
| What is a grid performance test? | Check for proper alignment, absence of defects, and correct ratio to remove scatter efficiently. |
| What is a laser alignment test in CR/DR? | Ensures the laser or scanning system reads the phosphor plate accurately for image production. |
| What is a flat-field uniformity test? | Evaluates digital detector’s ability to produce uniform images without artifacts. |
| What is phantom testing? | Using standardized objects to assess image quality parameters like contrast, spatial resolution, and noise. |
| What is the purpose of a line-pair phantom? | To measure spatial resolution and assess detector or film system sharpness. |
| What is artifact evaluation in QA? | Identifying unwanted image features from equipment, processing, or handling errors. |
| Why is patient dose monitoring part of QA? | To ensure exposures are as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) and within regulatory limits. |
| What is a dose-area product (DAP)? | Measurement of total radiation energy delivered to patient, used for dose monitoring. |
| What is a lead apron inspection test? | Checking for cracks, tears, or defects that could allow radiation penetration. |
| What is a collimator light accuracy test? | Ensures the light field matches the x-ray field at the detector plane. |
| Why is regular calibration of AEC devices necessary? | To maintain consistent image exposure and prevent over- or underexposure. |
| What is the purpose of a phantom image comparison? | To detect subtle changes in image quality over time. |
| What is the recommended frequency for QC tests? | Daily, weekly, monthly, or annually, depending on the test and regulatory requirements. |
| What is the role of documentation in QA? | Records QC results, maintenance, and repairs to track performance and compliance. |
| What is repeat analysis in QA? | Monitoring the number and causes of repeated images to reduce unnecessary exposure. |
| What is the purpose of visual image assessment? | Ensure images meet clinical diagnostic requirements before interpretation. |
| What is the importance of technologist training in QA? | Ensures proper technique, equipment use, and identification of problems to maintain quality. |
| What is an example of a QC test for CR plates? | Uniformity test, erasure check, and artifact evaluation. |
| What is the purpose of testing digital detector linearity? | To ensure pixel values accurately correspond to exposure levels. |
| What is modulation transfer function (MTF) testing in QC? | Evaluates spatial resolution capability of imaging system. |
| What is a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) test? | Assesses the amount of true image signal relative to background noise. |
| What is the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)? | Ratio that indicates how well contrast details can be seen above noise. |
| What is the effect of poor QC on diagnostic imaging? | Reduced image quality, misdiagnosis, increased patient dose, and repeat exams. |
| What is preventive maintenance in radiography QA? | Scheduled servicing and testing to prevent equipment failure. |
| What is the importance of regulatory compliance in QA? | Ensures adherence to safety standards and legal requirements. |
| What is the purpose of exposure index monitoring in digital systems? | To verify proper detector exposure and prevent over- or underexposure. |
| What is phantom testing for contrast resolution? | Using objects with subtle density differences to evaluate detector’s ability to differentiate them. |
| What is image lag in digital detectors? | Residual signal from previous exposures affecting subsequent images. |
| What is dead pixel evaluation? | Identifying non-responsive pixels in digital detectors to prevent artifacts. |
| What is the importance of temperature and humidity control in QA? | Environmental factors can affect detector performance and film processing. |
| What is film processor QC? | Ensuring chemical levels, temperature, and processing times are correct for consistent film quality. |
| What is the purpose of sensitometry? | Measures film response to exposure to monitor processing quality. |
| What is step wedge testing? | Used to evaluate film density response and contrast. |
| What is the purpose of densitometry? | To measure optical density of film to ensure consistent image quality. |
| What is phantom testing for spatial resolution? | Using line-pair patterns to assess the smallest detail visible on an image. |
| What is the purpose of half-value layer (HVL) measurement? | Checks beam filtration and x-ray beam quality. |
| What is a kilovoltage peak (kVp) accuracy test? | Verifies the x-ray tube voltage matches the selected value. |
| What is an mA linearity test? | Ensures output increases proportionally with mA settings. |
| What is reproducibility testing? | Verifies consistent output for repeated exposures under same conditions. |
| What is the role of grids in QA? | Evaluate grid alignment, performance, and absence of artifacts to maintain image contrast. |
| What is the importance of AEC calibration testing? | Ensures exposure is terminated at the correct detector signal to avoid over/underexposure. |
| What is a digital flat-field test? | Checks for uniform response across detector surface. |
| What is a repeat/reject analysis used for? | Identify patterns and causes of repeat imaging to improve workflow and reduce dose. |
| What is lead shield inspection? | Detects cracks or thinning in protective shields to ensure occupational safety. |
| What is the goal of QA in patient safety? | Maintain diagnostic image quality while minimizing radiation dose. |
| What is a QC phantom used for? | To standardize measurements for testing spatial resolution, contrast, and uniformity. |
| What is image artifact identification in QA? | Detecting non-anatomical features caused by equipment, processing, or handling errors. |
| What is the purpose of monthly and annual QC testing? | Comprehensive evaluation of equipment to ensure consistent performance over time. |
| What is documentation of QA activities? | Recording test results, corrective actions, maintenance, and compliance for reference and audits. |
| What is the role of technologists in QA programs? | Perform QC tests, monitor equipment, report issues, and ensure consistent high-quality imaging. |