5-6.
CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE
a. If the repeat test results confirm the first test results, call the engineer or, if the
equipment is still under warranty, call the manufacturer's representative.
b. Do this at once to immediately correct the problem. Remember, the reason
for the testing is to detect problems before they can cause considerable harm to your
patients or to you.
Section II. BEAM RESTRICTION ADEQUACY TEST
5-7.
PURPOSE
When the radiologist collimates to a given area of the body, he needs to be sure
that what he sees on the TV screen or the mirror optic is what is being exposed to
radiation. This beam restriction adequacy test will allow for the determination of the
exact area being imaged and allow the quality control technologist to assure that all
fluoroscopic systems in the department are producing images of a similar size. Beam
restriction ensures that the patients are not receiving excessive doses of radiation, and
it minimizes the amount of secondary (scatter) radiation that the technologist and
radiologist are exposed to in the examining room.
5-8.
EQUIPMENT/MATERIAL
a. A fluoroscopic beam restriction test tool.
b. Lead numbers and letters for identification.
c. Cardboard holder loaded with ready pack film.
d. A 12-inch ruler graduated by 1/32.
e. Three-fourth inch aluminum block.
5-9.
PROCEDURE
a. Put on a lead apron.
b. Place the three-fourth inch attenuator block on the tabletop to intercept the
radiation going to the image intensifier.
c. Select a clinically useful image intensifier or tower height such as a ten-inch
height and lock the assembly in place.
d. Set the technical factors to low values.
MD0062
5-6