Welcome!

This is the online ePortfolio of Jun Hu, Justin Shek (0842536), and Arthur Wong (0957192), students in the Medical Radiation Sciences [Radiography] program with McMaster University and Mohawk College.

Radiographic imaging is a fundamental component of diagnosis in the clinical setting. However, there are various potential sources of error that can produce images that are unusable for diagnosis. The aim of quality control in the radiographic imaging setting is to minimize errors made because of human or apparatus error.

The content of this ePortfolio pertains to the labs, modules, assignments, and assessments of our quality control course, MEDRADSC 3H03: Quality Control in Radiography. By discussing the expectations, goals, and achievements of the aforementioned material, we hope to show how our understanding and appreciation of quality control practices in a radiographic setting will progress.

We have chosen to create this ePortfolio through an online blog format over other formats for three reasons:

1. Various media formats (text, audio, video, images, etc.) are supported
2. Online hosting makes updates and posts possible from virtually anywhere
3. Updates can be added at the poster's leisure and are not restricted to any one user's computer

Furthermore, by posting directly online it is our hope that information and knowledge in this ePortfolio can be more rapidly shared with the world than through conventional means.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Cluster 1 Conclusion

The purpose of a quality control program is for technologists to examine and maintain acceptable quality of the X-ray equipment. This kind of program has been operating for decades in the radiographic field and playing an increasingly more prominent role, as technology advances.

The three topics mentioned in our ePortfolio briefly introduced three critical components of a radiographic quality control system which can identify changes in radiographic equipment. These changes may impair the accuracy and efficiency of radiologic diagnosis. Through periodical quality control testing, technologists can request repair or calibration services before harmful consequences can occur.

The EI calibration test consisted of three trials to see if the digital radiography equipment was properly calibrated to give a consistent EI within an acceptable range. The CR erasure was performed to test whether erasure of the CR cassette was sufficient to be reusable. The half value layer test measured the quality of an X-ray beam to evaluate if filtration was adequate. These tests ensure high image quality produced by X-ray equipment. Moreover, they help ensure low repeat rates, which consequently keep the patient dose and adhere to the principles of ALARA.

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