Organizing quality control programmes

Some characteristics of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard for X-ray generators, in particular accuracy of the operating data, are described. The tests in the standard are type tests and intended to be carried out in test laboratories. Quality control tests to be performed after installation comprise acceptance status and constancy test. Apparently limiting values stipulated by users are a factor of two lower than the limits of the IEC standard. By means of an example it is shown that modern X-ray generators can meet the lower limits of the users without problems. To obtain optimum initial quality when procuring new equipment operating data, limiting values must be specified and verified by acceptance testing, etc. A relatively uncomplicated test object can be used by radiographers for checks on fluoroscope systems. The findings from tests in Denmark are compared with other published findings and good agreement found. It is proposed that such tests could form the basis for quality evaluation and condemnation of fluoroscopic systems when physicists are not available. (author)