Tip of the Month

Record radiation output at a predetermined manual technique. Data will be useful for future troubleshooting

Past Tips of the Month

Turn off auto decompression before exposing a phantom in lateral position.

Rotate the c-arm before re-installing covers; dropped / lost harware will fall to the floor.

Do not used compressed air to blow dust from tube head, use a vacuum.

Compare the accuracy of your kV meter with your physicist’s. Knowing the difference will be helpful.

If an artifact is blurry, its source is probably above the film plane. If it appears sharp on film, it is most likely closer to the film plane.

Test the operation of the cassette presence sensor with the c-arm inverted. If it operates there, it will operate in all positions.

C-arm won’t move ? Check if the system “thinks” there is compression force applied.

At each PM, remember to inspect the wiring to the collimator lamp. The bulb can draw a surprising amount of current.

Download the FDA guidance document and keep it on your laptop. Having it on hand can be a big help and time saver.

Record the radiation output of the system at a specific manual technique. The data will be helpful in the future.

When calibrating a phototimer remember that BR12 and Acrylic are not the same… use what your physicist uses.

When trying to identify the source of image artifacts, run a phantom image through the processor at a 45 degree angle. Place the image on the viewbox and step back a few feet.Artifacts or roller marks streaking across the film will be more visible.

Screen related artifacts can be eliminated by double loading the cassette. The film in direct contact with the screen will block the light and allow the second film to be imaged from x-ray only. The technique will have to be increased but this will eliminate screen related artifacts when testing.

Measure the line voltage at each PM. Having a record of the voltage with and without load will be helpful if ever power related problems are suspected.

When trying to locate the source of image artifacts, use magnification mode. Tube port and filter artifacts “invisible” to large focal spot and a bucky, will be more easily seen in magnification mode.

Record the site setup data of the film flasher and operator console. It will be useful if one of the CPU batteries dies.

When adjusting phototiming, use one cassette. The variation between cassettes may lead to inaccurate measurements and needlessly extend your calibration time.