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Physics

Ch 13

QuestionAnswer
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.
Created by: user-1983814
 

 



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