Common Unknown Facts about CR
Facilities often overlook the necessary regular testing and calibration for CR Readers. Typically CR requires a 50% to 100% increase in patient dose to provide equivalent image quality as most film/screen systems. Therefore most states have implemented, or are developing, laws for CR that require regular QC testing (such as monthly phantoms) and annual calibration testing. In comparison DR usually requires about 50% LESS dose than film/screen.
Knowing Your Exposure Indicator Accuracy is Important
The CR Reader’s internal Exposure Indicator Calibration accuracy (such as S#, EXI or Lgm) is a main cause of higher patient dose for many CR systems. The Exposure Indicator informs technologists when an exam is over or under exposed. Often patients are unnecessarily exposed for image retakes due to inaccurately calibrated CR Readers. Also, the photo-timing for radiographic units are calibrated using the CR’s Exposure Indicator. If the CR Reader itself is improperly calibrated, the photo-timing will be improperly calibrated.
RPC Strives to Reduce CR Exposures
Digital radiology equipment, such as CR, can be adjusted to various exposure ranges. However, less exposure with CR increases image noise and reduces quality. Therefore it is very important to regularly test equipment calibrations and review phantom tests and clinical images to assure patient exposures are As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA).
Please contact RPC to setup your equipment testing and image analysis to reduce your patients’ radiation dose.