Image Quality and Exposure Control for Over-the-Table X-ray Systems Using a Flat-panel Detector

摘要

Quality control (QC) is essential for ensuring that the X-ray images produced by fluoroscopy systems are of sufficient quality to provide adequate diagnostic information consistently with the least possible radiation exposure. However, there are limited data on QC (image quality and radiation exposure) in fluoroscopy systems with over-the-table X-ray tubes. We describe a QC protocol for over-the-table fluoroscopy systems. We checked the image quality of over-the-table system using QC phantoms. In this study, over-the-table X-ray system with a flat-panel detector (FPD) was used. The X-ray outputs (i.e., kVp, mA, pulse width) of over-the-table system were evaluated simultaneously. Some QC data (e.g., radiation output and image quality) were scattered, especially when a smaller QC phantom was used, because AEC errors may occur due to inconsistent measurement geometry. Thus, we recommend the use of a phantom holder and beam-limiting tool with a small QC phantom to maintain the measurement geometry of the phantom and X-ray beam. QC is important for over-the-table fluoroscopy systems, as well as under-the-table systems. We cannot ignore QC in over-the-table systems. Generally, the QC protocol for over-the-table systems should be the same as that for under-the-table systems.