Selection of technique factors for mobile capacitor energy storage x-ray equipment

The technique factors of capacitor energy storage x-ray equipment influence the x-ray beam quality and quantity differently than those encountered with conventional single-phase or constant potential equipment. This is due to the nature of the high voltage waveform applied to the x-ray tube in capacitor energy storage systems. A lack of understanding of this difference can lead to excess patient exposure through inappropriate selection of technique factors by either the manufacturers of these systems or uninformed technologists using them. From analysis of exposure measurements made with a Masonite phantom, a method has been developed for determining whether a selected technique may result in unnecessary patient exposure. In addition, the distinction between technique factors for conventional high tension transformer and capacitor energy storage systems is reviewed.