12-4. EVALUATION AND INTERPRETATION
a. Determine how much money is wasted on film cost. To do this, you figure the
average cost per piece of radiographic film and multiply that by the number of rejects.
For example:
(1)
.00 is the average cost of radiographic film.
(2)
There were 750 rejected films.
(3)
.00 times 750 equals ,250. This is the dollar value of the rejected
films.
b. Determine the monthly total and enter it into a log book. Add the monthly
totals for the yearly total.
NOTE:
This dollar figure should decrease after the implementation of a quality
assurance program. This will help demonstrate the cost saving of the
program.
c. Determine the departmental problems. For example:
(1)
50 percent errors--density problems.
(2)
60 percent errors--density problems due to excessive density.
(3)
80 percent overexposed rejects done in the same room.
CONCLUSION: A problem exists with the equipment or the technician or both. If the
problem is with the equipment, several quality control tests can be run
to pinpoint the malfunction.
d. A normal, acceptable rejection rate is from 5 to 15 percent in a radiology
department with a quality assurance program.
(1)
The largest number of retakes will be caused by density and positioning
errors.
(2) Clear films cause a large number of rejects. These are due to the
unused loaded cassettes not being returned to the unexposed passbox. Also, a spot
film may have been left in the image intensification device.
NOTE:
Don't ever use suspected exposed film on trauma patients or babies.
NOTE:
Always return the loaded cassettes to their designated areas and remove the
spot film when the last fluoroscopy is finished.
MD0062
12-5