Is your OPG or CBCT calibrated AND compliance tested? It's important to recognize that these are two distinct and separate requirements. Both play a crucial role in guaranteeing the safe and effective utilization of your x-ray equipment within your practice. If you're an owner of an OPG or CBCT system, this blog post will shed light on the difference between these essential procedures.
🛠️ Calibration: Fine-tuning for imaging excellence
The calibration of your OPG or CBCT is critical to ensuring that your unit consistently delivers accurate and high-quality imaging results. It involves a meticulous assessment and adjustment of various machine components to achieve optimal imaging performance.
Such components include beam alignment and collimation, emission stability and image receptor adjustments to guarantee accurate spatial resolution and consistent image quality, as well as motor controls and drives, to ensure the mechanical components are functioning properly.
These calibration services should be performed at least once a year, following manufacturer guidelines, by a qualified service technician. Some CBCT systems may also require a monthly QA Phantom calibration/analysis to maintain consistent image quality and spatial resolution.
Now, let's turn our attention to compliance testing.
☢️ Compliance Testing: Ensures radiation safety in your practice
EPA compliance testing is a vital process to ascertain that your x-ray equipment complies with the safety standards established by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
It’s carried out by an accredited Consulting Radiation Expert (CRE) who possesses the requisite expertise in radiation safety.
The testing procedure includes the assessment and measurements of radiation output parameters such as radiation exposure, kVp and mA accuracy, time linearity, tubehead leakage, and other pertinent testing criteria.
Compliance testing is a mandatory requirement for all your dental x-ray equipment - your OPG or CBCT, as well as your wall-mounted or portable intraoral x-ray units. To remain compliant with radiation regulations, the EPA requires dental practices to have their units compliance tested and certified:
➡️ After device installation
➡️ Every 5 years after installation
➡️ After the device has been relocated
➡️ After major services that involve a tubehead replacement
Upon successful completion of the testing procedure, you will be issued a Certificate of Compliance and accompanying report outlining the testing procedures and data, which is valid for 5 years.
Related blog post: Navigating Compliance - The Importance of Your EPA Radiation License
Sustaining the safe and effective use of your OPG or CBCT units
In the realm of dental x-ray equipment, the calibration and compliance testing of your OPG or CBCT are both mandatory processes. By being diligent and scheduling them at the mandatory intervals, you will uphold the precision, dependability, and safety of your units, ultimately benefiting both your practice and patients.
If you have any questions about your equipment maintenance or radiation safety regulations, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Gamma Tech.
We'll be happy to assist you in maintaining a safe environment for your patients and staff.
📱 0437 230 808
📧 service@gammatech.com.au
