Order Description
1. Does the X-ray unit pass the exposure timer accuracy test? Justify your response through calculation (with calculation steps).
The X-ray unit passes the test of the exposure time for accuracy. This can further be backed up by the calculations below are evidence enough to support the stated assertion.
Exposure time set at 2ms:
The deviation allowed for 10ms is +/-20%. The deviation means that the passing criterion for 2ms is+/-20% 2 = +/-0.4. Consequently, the accepted range of 2ms is between the values of 1.6ms and 2.4ms. The fact that the average exposure time of 2ms is a value that falls within the accepted range is indeed testaments that the x-ray unit number one passed the accuracy test as mentioned above.
The exposure time being set at 100ms:
The deviation allowed for exposure time values larger than 10ms is +/- 5%. Consequently, the passing criterion at 100ms ranges from 95ms to 105ms because 5% 100 = 5. The average exposure time is 100.66ms; a value that falls within the accepted range, a clear indication the x-ray unit number 1 passed the test that mentioned above.2. Does the X-ray unit pass the exposure linearity test? Justify your response (N.B.: The passing criterion of this test is having percentage difference of mR/mAs less than 10%).
A clear indication is that the x-ray unit approved the test as rise in mAs. Consequently, there will be a sequential escalation in the measured exposure, showing that the mA station is working properly. Conditionally, for the x-ray unit to effectively pass the linearity test, the mAs value should be directly proportional to the mR value. However, a failure to pass the test is a clear indication that the mA station is not properly functional.The exposure linearity test also demonstrates if any tungsten deposits are on the internal surface of the x-ray tube. It is notable that, excessive deposits of tungsten are likely to cause an unwanted extra layer for the electrons to pass through. Electrons flow from the cathode to the layer on the tungsten before flowing through the anode. It is therefore mandatory that the amount of tungsten layer on the internal layer of the x-ray tube be eliminated completely.
3. Does the X-ray unit pass the exposure reproducibility test? Justify your response through calculation (with calculation steps).The reproducibility test is passed by the unit. This can be proved by calculation of the coefficient of variation value otherwise abbreviated as COV. In this case the value was 0.05, indication that the x-ray unit passed the criterion.COV is calculated by the division of standard deviation by the average reading obtained. In this case, the standard deviation and average reading is 0 mR and 138.5mR. 0/138.5 gives a COV value of 0; this falls under the passing criteria of 0.05, therefore, resulting in the pass of the test.
4. If an X-ray unit passes the exposure timer accuracy & linearity tests but fails the reproducibility part, what will this indicate? Justify your response.
The patient dose and the quality of the diagnostic image are dependent on any variation in the generator of the x-ray unit. Therefore, an accurate calibration is required for various selections. The exposure reproducibility test might fail due to variations in the x-ray generators performance. The failure can be caused by the kVp and mAs selectors or due to variations in the x-ray tubes operations. Some of the potential causes of the latter include arching or evaporation of the filament.Passing of the linearity and the exposure time accuracy tests by the x-ray unit automatically mean that the results eliminate the problems relating to the mAs selector in the x-ray generator. The reason for elimination is because of the ability of the malfunctioning to cause failure of the exposure linearity test. Malfunctioning of the x-ray tube from filament evaporation and arching would also contribute to the failure of the exposure linearity test.Each of the tests conducted in QC4 individually isolates the probable issues/problems of the X-ray unit. If both of the above mentioned tests the passing requirements but not the exposure reproducibility part; the only malfunctioning component is the kVp selector as the exposure timer test. Additionally, the exposure linearity test results, both eliminate the other probable components that may cause the reproducibility part to fail.
5. What are the consequence(s) of the X-ray unit not passing these tests?
Failure of the x-ray unit to pass the tests conducted QC4 would have a few implications. The most notable implications could be problems that emanate from the high voltage generator, operating console (after service, aging, etc.), and filament evaporation or arching.In terms of radiation protection, when the x-ray unit fails to pass the test then it would operate inaccurately and produce imprecise images. Images would appear either over exposed or under exposed, making it difficult for diagnostic procedures. Such images are referred to as un-diagnostic images and cannot be used in any examination procedures. Definitely, with such images the whole procedure of examination will need to be repeated and thus an increased dose of radiation on the patient.The exposure timer test results must be accurate. Failure of the accuracy of the exposure timer result results into increased patient dose being that the exposure timer is proportional to the amount of X-rays being produced.The electromechanical components of the x-ray unit must maintain their proper functionality. Therefore, the machinery has to be maintained and annually checked for optimum performance and standard results. Any inaccuracy resulting from the flaws in the mechanics of the x-ray unit would definitely cause increased radiation exposure. It is intuitive that such increases in radiation dose has an effect on the safety of the patient, the radiographer, and the quality of the images. Over exposure or under exposure usually come in when there is an electromechanical flaw. Overexposure delivers more than the intended dose of radiation to the patient thus a breach of the ALARA principle. Inaccuracy in performance of the high voltage generator and the operating console due to factors such as aging of the equipment and alterations after servicing may also increase the electromechanical safety risks that further have effects.Clinical utilization: The flow within any clinical organization would be disrupted should an x-ray unit be unable to pass the requirements defined by the tests conducted in QC4. If post-processing is unable to alter an image significantly to diagnostic quality, then a repeat examination has to be conducted. Repeat examinations definitely disrupt the flow of operations in as well as punctuality within the clinical setting (most so when considering or handling each patient at a time) causing additional work for an examination. The ultimate outcome of the cumbersome work is time wastage as the procedures and the repetition process are unnecessarily time-consuming for both the patient and the radiographer. Repeat examinations also require the patient to receive an additional radiation dose, further exposing the patient to more radiation dose. X-ray units that are not fully functional as per the acceptable standards influence on image quality and extendedly the patient care as well as the management with regard to the ALARA principle.
1. Does the X-ray unit pass the exposure timer accuracy test? Justify your response through calculation (with calculation steps).
The X-ray unit passes the test of the exposure time for accuracy. This can further be backed up by the calculations below are evidence enough to support the stated assertion.
Exposure time set at 2ms:
The deviation allowed for 10ms is +/-20%. The deviation means that the passing criterion for 2ms is+/-20% 2 = +/-0.4. Consequently, the accepted range of 2ms is between the values of 1.6ms and 2.4ms. The fact that the average exposure time of 2ms is a value that falls within the accepted range is indeed testaments that the x-ray unit number one passed the accuracy test as mentioned above.
The exposure time being set at 100ms:
The deviation allowed for exposure time values larger than 10ms is +/- 5%. Consequently, the passing criterion at 100ms ranges from 95ms to 105ms because 5% 100 = 5. The average exposure time is 100.66ms; a value that falls within the accepted range, a clear indication the x-ray unit number 1 passed the test that mentioned above.2. Does the X-ray unit pass the exposure linearity test? Justify your response (N.B.: The passing criterion of this test is having percentage difference of mR/mAs less than 10%).
A clear indication is that the x-ray unit approved the test as rise in mAs. Consequently, there will be a sequential escalation in the measured exposure, showing that the mA station is working properly. Conditionally, for the x-ray unit to effectively pass the linearity test, the mAs value should be directly proportional to the mR value. However, a failure to pass the test is a clear indication that the mA station is not properly functional.The exposure linearity test also demonstrates if any tungsten deposits are on the internal surface of the x-ray tube. It is notable that, excessive deposits of tungsten are likely to cause an unwanted extra layer for the electrons to pass through. Electrons flow from the cathode to the layer on the tungsten before flowing through the anode. It is therefore mandatory that the amount of tungsten layer on the internal layer of the x-ray tube be eliminated completely.
3. Does the X-ray unit pass the exposure reproducibility test? Justify your response through calculation (with calculation steps).The reproducibility test is passed by the unit. This can be proved by calculation of the coefficient of variation value otherwise abbreviated as COV. In this case the value was 0.05, indication that the x-ray unit passed the criterion.COV is calculated by the division of standard deviation by the average reading obtained. In this case, the standard deviation and average reading is 0 mR and 138.5mR. 0/138.5 gives a COV value of 0; this falls under the passing criteria of 0.05, therefore, resulting in the pass of the test.
4. If an X-ray unit passes the exposure timer accuracy & linearity tests but fails the reproducibility part, what will this indicate? Justify your response.
The patient dose and the quality of the diagnostic image are dependent on any variation in the generator of the x-ray unit. Therefore, an accurate calibration is required for various selections. The exposure reproducibility test might fail due to variations in the x-ray generators performance. The failure can be caused by the kVp and mAs selectors or due to variations in the x-ray tubes operations. Some of the potential causes of the latter include arching or evaporation of the filament.Passing of the linearity and the exposure time accuracy tests by the x-ray unit automatically mean that the results eliminate the problems relating to the mAs selector in the x-ray generator. The reason for elimination is because of the ability of the malfunctioning to cause failure of the exposure linearity test. Malfunctioning of the x-ray tube from filament evaporation and arching would also contribute to the failure of the exposure linearity test.Each of the tests conducted in QC4 individually isolates the probable issues/problems of the X-ray unit. If both of the above mentioned tests the passing requirements but not the exposure reproducibility part; the only malfunctioning component is the kVp selector as the exposure timer test. Additionally, the exposure linearity test results, both eliminate the other probable components that may cause the reproducibility part to fail.
5. What are the consequence(s) of the X-ray unit not passing these tests?
Failure of the x-ray unit to pass the tests conducted QC4 would have a few implications. The most notable implications could be problems that emanate from the high voltage generator, operating console (after service, aging, etc.), and filament evaporation or arching.In terms of radiation protection, when the x-ray unit fails to pass the test then it would operate inaccurately and produce imprecise images. Images would appear either over exposed or under exposed, making it difficult for diagnostic procedures. Such images are referred to as un-diagnostic images and cannot be used in any examination procedures. Definitely, with such images the whole procedure of examination will need to be repeated and thus an increased dose of radiation on the patient.The exposure timer test results must be accurate. Failure of the accuracy of the exposure timer result results into increased patient dose being that the exposure timer is proportional to the amount of X-rays being produced.The electromechanical components of the x-ray unit must maintain their proper functionality. Therefore, the machinery has to be maintained and annually checked for optimum performance and standard results. Any inaccuracy resulting from the flaws in the mechanics of the x-ray unit would definitely cause increased radiation exposure. It is intuitive that such increases in radiation dose has an effect on the safety of the patient, the radiographer, and the quality of the images. Over exposure or under exposure usually come in when there is an electromechanical flaw. Overexposure delivers more than the intended dose of radiation to the patient thus a breach of the ALARA principle. Inaccuracy in performance of the high voltage generator and the operating console due to factors such as aging of the equipment and alterations after servicing may also increase the electromechanical safety risks that further have effects.Clinical utilization: The flow within any clinical organization would be disrupted should an x-ray unit be unable to pass the requirements defined by the tests conducted in QC4. If post-processing is unable to alter an image significantly to diagnostic quality, then a repeat examination has to be conducted. Repeat examinations definitely disrupt the flow of operations in as well as punctuality within the clinical setting (most so when considering or handling each patient at a time) causing additional work for an examination. The ultimate outcome of the cumbersome work is time wastage as the procedures and the repetition process are unnecessarily time-consuming for both the patient and the radiographer. Repeat examinations also require the patient to receive an additional radiation dose, further exposing the patient to more radiation dose. X-ray units that are not fully functional as per the acceptable standards influence on image quality and extendedly the patient care as well as the management with regard to the ALARA principle.
1. Does the X-ray unit pass the exposure timer accuracy test? Justify your response through calculation (with calculation steps).
The X-ray unit passes the test of the exposure time for accuracy. This can further be backed up by the calculations below are evidence enough to support the stated assertion.
Exposure time set at 2ms:
The deviation allowed for 10ms is +/-20%. The deviation means that the passing criterion for 2ms is+/-20% 2 = +/-0.4. Consequently, the accepted range of 2ms is between the values of 1.6ms and 2.4ms. The fact that the average exposure time of 2ms is a value that falls within the accepted range is indeed testaments that the x-ray unit number one passed the accuracy test as mentioned above.
The exposure time being set at 100ms:
The deviation allowed for exposure time values larger than 10ms is +/- 5%. Consequently, the passing criterion at 100ms ranges from 95ms to 105ms because 5% 100 = 5. The average exposure time is 100.66ms; a value that falls within the accepted range, a clear indication the x-ray unit number 1 passed the test that mentioned above.2. Does the X-ray unit pass the exposure linearity test? Justify your response (N.B.: The passing criterion of this test is having percentage difference of mR/mAs less than 10%).
A clear indication is that the x-ray unit approved the test as rise in mAs. Consequently, there will be a sequential escalation in the measured exposure, showing that the mA station is working properly. Conditionally, for the x-ray unit to effectively pass the linearity test, the mAs value should be directly proportional to the mR value. However, a failure to pass the test is a clear indication that the mA station is not properly functional.The exposure linearity test also demonstrates if any tungsten deposits are on the internal surface of the x-ray tube. It is notable that, excessive deposits of tungsten are likely to cause an unwanted extra layer for the electrons to pass through. Electrons flow from the cathode to the layer on the tungsten before flowing through the anode. It is therefore mandatory that the amount of tungsten layer on the internal layer of the x-ray tube be eliminated completely.
3. Does the X-ray unit pass the exposure reproducibility test? Justify your response through calculation (with calculation steps).The reproducibility test is passed by the unit. This can be proved by calculation of the coefficient of variation value otherwise abbreviated as COV. In this case the value was 0.05, indication that the x-ray unit passed the criterion.COV is calculated by the division of standard deviation by the average reading obtained. In this case, the standard deviation and average reading is 0 mR and 138.5mR. 0/138.5 gives a COV value of 0; this falls under the passing criteria of 0.05, therefore, resulting in the pass of the test.
4. If an X-ray unit passes the exposure timer accuracy & linearity tests but fails the reproducibility part, what will this indicate? Justify your response.
The patient dose and the quality of the diagnostic image are dependent on any variation in the generator of the x-ray unit. Therefore, an accurate calibration is required for various selections. The exposure reproducibility test might fail due to variations in the x-ray generators performance. The failure can be caused by the kVp and mAs selectors or due to variations in the x-ray tubes operations. Some of the potential causes of the latter include arching or evaporation of the filament.Passing of the linearity and the exposure time accuracy tests by the x-ray unit automatically mean that the results eliminate the problems relating to the mAs selector in the x-ray generator. The reason for elimination is because of the ability of the malfunctioning to cause failure of the exposure linearity test. Malfunctioning of the x-ray tube from filament evaporation and arching would also contribute to the failure of the exposure linearity test.Each of the tests conducted in QC4 individually isolates the probable issues/problems of the X-ray unit. If both of the above mentioned tests the passing requirements but not the exposure reproducibility part; the only malfunctioning component is the kVp selector as the exposure timer test. Additionally, the exposure linearity test results, both eliminate the other probable components that may cause the reproducibility part to fail.
5. What are the consequence(s) of the X-ray unit not passing these tests?
Failure of the x-ray unit to pass the tests conducted QC4 would have a few implications. The most notable implications could be problems that emanate from the high voltage generator, operating console (after service, aging, etc.), and filament evaporation or arching.In terms of radiation protection, when the x-ray unit fails to pass the test then it would operate inaccurately and produce imprecise images. Images would appear either over exposed or under exposed, making it difficult for diagnostic procedures. Such images are referred to as un-diagnostic images and cannot be used in any examination procedures. Definitely, with such images the whole procedure of examination will need to be repeated and thus an increased dose of radiation on the patient.The exposure timer test results must be accurate. Failure of the accuracy of the exposure timer result results into increased patient dose being that the exposure timer is proportional to the amount of X-rays being produced.The electromechanical components of the x-ray unit must maintain their proper functionality. Therefore, the machinery has to be maintained and annually checked for optimum performance and standard results. Any inaccuracy resulting from the flaws in the mechanics of the x-ray unit would definitely cause increased radiation exposure. It is intuitive that such increases in radiation dose has an effect on the safety of the patient, the radiographer, and the quality of the images. Over exposure or under exposure usually come in when there is an electromechanical flaw. Overexposure delivers more than the intended dose of radiation to the patient thus a breach of the ALARA principle. Inaccuracy in performance of the high voltage generator and the operating console due to factors such as aging of the equipment and alterations after servicing may also increase the electromechanical safety risks that further have effects.Clinical utilization: The flow within any clinical organization would be disrupted should an x-ray unit be unable to pass the requirements defined by the tests conducted in QC4. If post-processing is unable to alter an image significantly to diagnostic quality, then a repeat examination has to be conducted. Repeat examinations definitely disrupt the flow of operations in as well as punctuality within the clinical setting (most so when considering or handling each patient at a time) causing additional work for an examination. The ultimate outcome of the cumbersome work is time wastage as the procedures and the repetition process are unnecessarily time-consuming for both the patient and the radiographer. Repeat examinations also require the patient to receive an additional radiation dose, further exposing the patient to more radiation dose. X-ray units that are not fully functional as per the acceptable standards influence on image quality and extendedly the patient care as well as the management with regard to the ALARA principle.