Tip of the Month

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

Past Tips of the Month

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.