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Chapter 30 - Quality assurance and radiographic skeletal survey standards

from Section V - Technical considerations and dosimetry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 September 2015

By
Patricia L. Kleinman
Edited by
Paul K. Kleinman
Patricia L. Kleinman
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Paul K. Kleinman
Affiliation:
Children's Hospital Boston
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Summary

Quality assurance

Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are fundamental to the establishment and ongoing analysis of imaging strategies. All parameters of the imaging chain must meet specific criteria and be critically evaluated on a continuous basis. A solid QA/QC program can be implemented to ensure consistent, high-quality diagnostic imaging in cases of suspected child abuse (1–7).

Radiographic QA sets standards for the production of optimal quality images obtained at the lowest radiation dose to the patient. Radiographic QC, a component of QA, is the overall system of activities whose purpose is to ensure integrity of the imaging equipment and provide consistent quality images. QA also includes examination screening for appropriateness, equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, in-service education of radiologic technologists, acceptance testing of new radiographic equipment/digital imaging chain components, and evaluation of new imaging products.

The implementation of QA in the healthcare environment has been an important step in reinforcing and improving standards of care. A well-designed QA program should regulate the production, quality, and maintenance of consistent imaging. Radiology departments should seek to prospectively build QA and QC into their imaging services rather than retrospectively attempt to correct failures. As greater control is obtained over imaging practices and as observations and trends are noted, new areas for improved quality may be illuminated (1, 3, 4, 8, 9).

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Diagnostic Imaging of Child Abuse , pp. 708 - 715
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2015

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