Equipment Survey Tests and Quality Analysis

We perform annual physics surveys and initial acceptance testing for all modalities of radiological equipment. It is not uncommon to find equipment failures or necessary improvements on newly installed equipment. RPC not only tests basic functions of your equipment, but we critique phantom image quality and estimate patient radiation dose. The phantom images provide the necessary information to recommend technique and calibration optimizations to lower patient dose. Please review the modality list below for specific tests and services we offer.

Accreditation Testing

RPC provides ACR Accreditation testing for advanced imaging modalities as required by many insurance companies. We assist you in collecting clinical images for submission, and we work with service engineers to remedy artifact and dose issues prior to accreditation submission. RPC also owns the necessary ACR Phantoms so you do not need to purchase them (about $3,000 in savings).

Mammography

    • MQSA Required Annual Equipment Tests
    • Annual QA/QC Review
    • Phantom Image Quality Critique
    • PACS Monitor Calibration Testing for Digital Mammography

Computed Tomography (CT) – Including Dental Cone Beam CT

    • State Required Annual Equipment Tests
    • Required CT Dosimetry Analysis (This is not performed by equipment vendors)
    • Image Quality Analysis
    • ACR Accreditation

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

    • Annual Equipment Tests
    • Review of Proper RF Shielding
    • Image Quality Analysis
    • ACR Accreditation

General Diagnostic Equipment

    • Radiographic (including Portables and Tomographic)
      • Generator Calibration Accuracy, Beam Quality, Collimation, SID and Auto-Exposure Control
      • Phantom Image Analysis for Image Quality and Patient Dose
      • Patient Skin Dose Estimation Charts (specific to each unit)
    • Dental (Bitewings, Panoramic, & Cone Beam CT)
    • Bone Densitometer & DEXA
    • EOS Body Scanner
    • Ultrasound (ACR & Non-ACR)
    • Fluoroscopic (Mobile C-Arms, O-Arms, R/F, Interventional, Angiography and Cath Labs)
      • Generator Calibration Accuracy, Beam Quality, Collimation, SID and Auto-Exposure Control
      • Phantom Image Analysis for Image Quality and Patient Dose
      • Maximum and Typical Fluoroscopic Exposure Rates (as applicable)
      • Patient Skin Dose Estimation Charts (specific to each unit)
        • Many states now require documenting patient fluoro skin dose
    • CR – Computed (Cassette) Radiography
      • Cassette Uniformity and Artifact Review
      • Exposure Indicator Accuracy (Very important in controlling patient dose)
      • Exposure Indicator Linearity and Beam Dependency
      • Low Contrast Visibility and Spatial Resolution
      • Accuracy of Image Scale/Size from PACS and Printed Films
      • Erasure Thoroughness – Assures cassette is erased between exams
      • Important Read: CR Usually Increases Patient Dose
    • DR – Digital (Direct) Radiography – Specific analysis of digital detector
      (DR units also require Radiographic and/or Fluoroscopic testing)

      • Detector Uniformity and Artifact Review
      • Exposure Indicator Accuracy
      • Exposure Indicator Linearity and Beam Dependency
      • Low Contrast Visibility and Spatial Resolution
      • Accuracy of Image Scale/Size from PACS and Printed Films