An article by staff editor Erik L. Ridley describes how dose reductions of more than 35% were achieved after the successful initiation of a QA program developed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Dear X-Ray Insider,
One of the primary objectives of diagnostic x-ray is to achieve the highest quality image with the lowest possible dose. A quality assurance (QA) program developed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has done just that by reducing unnecessary radiation and improving image quality, resulting in better diagnoses and fewer repeat exams.
It’s a successful QA program with no downside, according to a presentation at the 2003 RSNA conference in Chicago. The Mammography Quality Standards Act served as a model for the program, which measures patient radiation exposure and requires periodic quality control (QC) tests. In addition, the program evaluates processor functionality and image quality, and includes an annual system analysis by a qualified medical physicist.
An article by staff editor Erik L. Ridley describes how dose reductions of more than 35% were achieved after the program was initiated. As an X-Ray Radiology Insider subscriber, you have access to this story first. To discover more about implementing a QA/QC program for lower doses and better images, click here.
On an administrative note, staff editor Tracie L. Thompson will be the new manager of the X-Ray Digital Community starting this month. If there’s an x-ray imaging topic you’d like to see covered, or you are interested in authoring an article, please contact Tracie at: [email protected].
