(4)
Standards for image quality.
(a) "Objective standards" are the factual (ideal) acceptability limits for
the variation of parameter values.
(b) "Subjective standards" are the opinions of the professional
personnel. These can be very important because the people who work with the
equipment daily are usually the first to sense that something is wrong. Then, after
testing and retesting, corrective action can be taken before the trouble becomes severe.
(5)
Evaluation procedures.
(a) On level one, personnel qualified to test the equipment evaluate the
performance of the x-ray system to determine whether corrective actions are needed.
This regular testing, and if necessary, corrective action ensure that the image quality
consistently meet the set standards.
(b) On level two, the person in charge of the quality assurance
program initiates an ongoing study of the retake rate and the causes of repeated
radiographs. This study enables him to evaluate the effectiveness of the program itself.
(6)
Records.
(a) Whoever tests the system must always record the results of the
monitoring techniques and the difficulties detected.
(b) He must record which corrective measures were applied to the
difficulties and how effective the measures were.
(7)
Quality assurance manual.
(a) This is usually a locally produced handbook written in a format that
permits convenient revisions as they are needed.
(b) This book must be readily available to all radiology personnel.
(8)
Training. The facility provides for appropriate training for all personnel.
(9) Committee. In large facilities, there is usually a quality assurance
committee that maintains the lines of necessary communication among all the groups.
(10) Review. To determine the needed improvements is the responsibility of
the committee or the practitioner in charge of the radiology department.
MD0062
2-4