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A quality control programme for medical X-ray films in India
Reena Sharma1, Sunil Dutt Sharma
1Radiological Physics & Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, CT & CRS, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|February 25, 2011
Summary
A national quality control program in India tests medical X-ray films to ensure diagnostic imaging quality. Most films meet standards, but some blue/green sensitive films require performance improvements.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging Physics
- Radiological Quality Control
- Diagnostic Radiology
Background:
- Medical X-ray films are primary image receptors in Indian diagnostic radiology, with significant annual usage.
- The increasing number of diagnostic X-ray units necessitates robust quality assurance for medical films.
- A national program was established to test films from various suppliers, ensuring optimal quality for diagnostic radiography.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement a national quality control program for testing medical X-ray films used in India.
- To evaluate the sensitometric properties of medical X-ray films against national standards.
- To identify films requiring performance improvements from suppliers/manufacturers.
Main Methods:
- Established a national film testing laboratory at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
- Fabricated a specialized test phantom simulating chest attenuation and scatter properties, adhering to ISO standards.
- Conducted periodic X-ray sensitometric evaluations, assessing basic fog, speed, latitude, maximum optical density, uniformity, and artefacts.
Main Results:
- All tested medical X-ray films met basic fog, speed, latitude, maximum optical density, uniformity, and artefact requirements.
- A few blue and green sensitive films exhibited an average gradient below the specified national standards.
- Films failing to meet specific parameters were identified for supplier/manufacturer intervention.
Conclusions:
- The national quality control program effectively evaluates medical X-ray film quality in India.
- Most films comply with national standards, ensuring reliable diagnostic imaging.
- Targeted recommendations were made to suppliers/manufacturers for improving specific film performance characteristics.
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