Evaluation of Self-Produced Phantom Usafulness for image Quality Control of Radiation Generator for Diagnosis

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Quality control can improve the quality of medical care along with the stability of diagnostic X-ray generator. Regular quality control provides reliable quality control of the machine and maintains consistency of general imaging using radiation for efficient diagnosis.

Methods/Statistical analysis: A phantom for quality control of diagnostic X-ray generator was produced using a 3D printer. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the phantom utility was conducted by modifying images acquired using S and D companies’ tools with Source to Image-Receptor Distance (SID) levels ranging between 130 cm and 180 cm. The evaluation indices were determined based on the analysis of field compliance, uniformity, low and high-contrast resolution, and linearity.

Findings: The evaluation was conducted by acquiring and changing the radiographic image to SIDs between 130 cm and 180 cm using the indigenous phantom. The field compliance of S and D companies in terms of quantitative evaluation indices was both appropriate within ± 1% according to the SID change. To ensure a uniform SID 130 cm, the internal and external means of S company were 893 and 943, respectively, while those of the D company were 228.1 and 261.4, respectively. At an SID of 180 cm, the internal and external means of the S company were 928.1 and 958.4, respectively, while those of the D company were 257.2 and 299, respectively. A characteristic of the DR system was identified to ensure linearity, altered exposure dosage according to the step wedge height, and the difference in SI values according to the characteristics of the equipment and linearity. The qualitative evaluation indices were determined by identifying the size of the hole under high-contrast resolution up to 0.8㎜ and the bar size up to 1.6 lp/㎜. The low contrast resolution was evaluated with a C-D pattern, and at SID 130 cm, the S company scored 124.6 points and the D company 116 points, and at 180 cm, the S company scored 111.4 and the D company 104.6 points.

Improvements/Applications: The utility of the homegrown phantom in quality control was confirmed for each index. The medical institutions are required to introduce quality control regulations for general image examination using radiation. It is helpful to efficiently manage old equipment and improve public health and medical care by linking with the health insurance fee.