Fluke 07-649 User Manual

Nuclear Associates 07-649

CDRH Fluoroscopic Phantom

March 2005
Manual No. 07-649-1 Rev. 2
©2004, 2005 Fluke Corporation, All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies

Users Manual

Fluke Biomedical

Radiation Management Services

6045 Cochran Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44139

440.498.2564

www.flukebiomedical.com/rms

Table of Contents

Section 1: General Information................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Specifications............................................................................................... 1-1

Section 2: Operation.................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Setup Procedure Under-Table Units............................................................ 2-1

2.2 Setup Procedure Over-The-Table Units....................................................... 2-1

2.3 Fluoroscopy Exposure Rate Date ................................................................ 2-1

2.4 Fluoroscopy High Level Exposure Rate Data .............................................. 2-2

2.5 High Level Fluoroscopy Exposure Rate Data with Barium Simulation

(Copper)....................................................................................................... 2-2

2.6 Maximum Fluoroscopy Exposure Rate Data (With Copper and Lead) ........ 2-2

2.7 Maximum High Level Fluoroscopy Exposure Rate Data (With Copper and

Lead)............................................................................................................ 2-3

2.8 Film Recording............................................................................................. 2-3

2.9 Time and mAs (Manual Mode Only) ............................................................ 2-4

2.10 Fluoroscopy HVL Data................................................................................. 2-4

2.11 HVL for ABC Units that Cannot be Placed in Manual Mode ........................ 2-5

2.12 Estimated HVL............................................................................................. 2-6

2.13 Target to Tabletop Distance......................................................................... 2-6

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General Information

Specifications

1

Section 1

General Information

1.1 Specifications

Fluoroscopic Phantom, Model 07-649 is designed to meet the requirements for the NEXT* protocols.

This patient-equivalent phantom of uniform thickness consists of a 7" thick acrylic block, one Fluoroscopic
Image Quality Test Object, one Lead Stop Plate and one Copper Attenuation Plate. The base of the
phantom is comprised of two type-1100 aluminum plates, each 2.3 mm thick. The phantom has four lead
beads embedded on top, to be used as collimation orientation points. It stands on two legs, approximately
4" off the tabletop. One leg is specially designed as a probe holder.

Fluoroscopic Image Quality Test Object

This aluminum disk is (2" diameter; 0.25" thick), comprised of eight low-contrast test holes (each 0.375"
diameter, and ranging in depth from 0.0063" to 0.068") and eight wire meshes (ranging from 12 to 60
wires per inch). The test object is used for the assessment of spatial resolution, and can easily be taken
on and off the phantom.

Lead Stop Plate

This 3.2 mm (1/8") plate simulates maximum attenuation, and can be used to measure the maximum air
kerma rate (free in air).

Copper Attenuation Plate

This 1.6 mm (1/16") copper filter simulates the presence of a 2 mm thick layer of barium sulfate, and can
be used to measure the air kerma rate (free in air).

NOTE

This phantom is now required in order to comply
with QC tests recommended in the ACR's Barium
Enema QC Manual.

*NEXT (Nationwide Evaluation of X-Ray Trends is a committee of The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD)
that oversees quality control procedures for diagnostic radiology. They issue procedure protocols and guidelines for imaging
modalities.

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Operation

Setup Procedure Under-Table Units

Section 2

Operation

2.1 Setup Procedure Under-Table Units

1. Attach the side and probe support to the fluoroscopic phantom.

2. Place the probe, resting on the table, in the slot provided in the probe support. The probe should be
centered under the phantom body.

3. Select the 9" field size of the image intensifier. Align the phantom and probe in the center of the
field. If you cannot see the four lead shot, the image intensifier field is less than 9".

4. Bring the image intensifier down until it rests on the top of the phantom side extension. Lock the
image intensifier in this position. Once you have set up the phantom, probe and unit, do not move
them until you have completed the exposure and exposure rate movements.

5. By making fluoroscopic exposure and observing the image of the phantom, adjust the collimator
until the beam is limited in size to the area indicated by the four lead shot marking on the phantom
top (area indicated by the four lead shot located at the center of each edge of the phantom top).

2

2.2 Setup Procedure Over-The-Table Units

1. Attach the probe support to the fluoroscopic phantom-do not attach the lexan side. Place the
phantom on the tabletop with the probe support nearest the tube head.

2. Place the probe in the slot provided in the probe support. The probe will be centered over the
phantom body.

3. Select the 9" field size of the image intensifier. Align the phantom and probe in the center of the
field. If you cannot see the four lead shot, the image intensifier field is less than 9”.

4. Have the operator position the tube assembly at the normal height for the upper GI examination.
Lock the assembly at this height. Once you have set up the phantom, probe and unit, do not move
them until you have completed the exposure and exposure rate measurements.

5. By making fluoroscopic exposures and observing the image of the phantom, adjust the collimator
until the beam is limited in size to the area indicated by the four lead shot markings on the phantom
(area indicated by the four lead shot located at the center on each edge of the phantom).

2.3 Fluoroscopy Exposure Rate Date

Set the electrometer selector switch to the "Exposure Rate" mode. Without making any changes in the
standard patient techniques, with the phantom and the probe properly positioned, and the beam
collimated to the four markings on the phantom, make an exposure of at least 15-second duration.
Record this exposure rate in mR/min as Fluoroscopy Exposure Rate #1. Record the fluoroscopic kVp
selected as Fluoroscopy kVp #1. If the unit has an mA indicator, read and record the mA value during the
15-second exposure as Fluoroscopy mA #1.

If the exposure rate is greater than 1 R/min, the values are recorded as 1000 mR/min per R/min. For
example, 12 R/min would be recorded as 12000 mR/min.

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Repeat the 15-second exposure and record the values for Fluoroscopic Exposure Rate #2, Fluoroscopic
mA #2, and Fluoroscopic kVp #2, respectively.

2.4 Fluoroscopy High Level Exposure Rate Data

NOTE

The following measurements are to be made only
on those systems that have the High Level option.
Do not make this measurement for Manual
systems.

Set the electrometer selector switch to the "Exposure Rate" mode. Without making any changes in the
standard patient techniques, with the phantom and probe properly positioned and the beam collimated to
the four markings on the phantom, place the system in the High Level mode of operation and make an
exposure of at least 15-second duration. Record this exposure rate as Fluoroscopic High Level Exposure
Rate #1. Record the selected kVp as Fluoroscopic High Level kVp #1. If the unit has an mA indicator,
read and record the mA value during the 15-second exposure as Fluoroscopic High Level mA #1. Reset
the electrometer to zero and repeat the 15-second exposure and record the values for Fluoroscopic High
Level Exposure Rate #2, Fluoroscopic High Level kVp #2, and Fluoroscopic High Level mA #2,
respectively.

2.5 High Level Fluoroscopy Exposure Rate Data with Barium
Simulation (Copper)

The following measurements are to be made only
on those systems that have the High Level option.
Do not make this measurement for Manual
systems.

Set the electrometer selector switch to the "Exposure Rate" mode. Without making any changes in the
standard patient techniques, with the phantom and the probe properly positioned and the beam
collimated to the four markings on the phantom, select High Level mode of operation, and make an
exposure of at least 15-second duration. Record this exposure rate as Fluoroscopic Copper High Level
Exposure Rate #1. Record the selected kVp as Fluoroscopic Copper High Level kVp #1. If the unit has an
mA indicator, read and record the mA value during the 15-second exposure as Fluoroscopic Copper High
Level mA #1. Reset the instrument to zero, repeat the 15-second exposure and record the values for
Fluoroscopic Copper High Level Exposure Rate #2, Fluoroscopic Copper High Level kVp #2, and
Fluoroscopic Copper High Level mA #2, respectively.

NOTE

2.6 Maximum Fluoroscopy Exposure Rate Data (with Copper
and Lead)

NOTE

Do not make this measurement for Manual

systems.

2-2

Operation

Maximum Fluoroscopy Exposure Rate Data(With Copper and Lead)

Set the electrometer selector switch to the "Exposure Rate" mode. Without making any changes in the
standard patient techniques, with the phantom and MDH probe properly positioned, and the beam
collimated to the four markings on the phantom, place the 1 mm sheet of copper and the lead sheet on
top of the phantom, select the standard mode of operation, and make an exposure of at least 15-second
duration. Record this exposure rate as Fluoroscopic Maximum Exposure Rate #1. Record the selected
kVp as Fluoroscopic Maximum kVp #1. If the unit has an mA indicator, read and record the mA value
during the 15-second exposure as Fluoroscopic Maximum mA #1. Reset the MDH to zero and repeat the
15-second exposure and record the values for Fluoroscopic Maximum Exposure Rate #2, Fluoroscopic
Maximum kVp #2, and Fluoroscopic Maximum mA #2, respectively.

2

2.7 Maximum High Level Fluoroscopy Exposure Rate Data
(With Copper and Lead)

NOTE

The following measurements are to be made only
on those systems that have the High Level option.
Do not make this measurement for Manual
systems.

Set the electrometer selector switch to the "Exposure Rate" mode. Without making any changes in the
standard patient techniques, with the phantom and MDH probe properly positioned, the beam collimated
to the four markings on the phantom and the 1 mm sheet of copper and the lead sheet on top of the
phantom, place the system in the High Level mode and make an exposure of at least 15-second duration.
Record this exposure rate as High Level Maximum Exposure Rate #1. Record the selected kVp as High
Level Maximum kVp #1. If the unit has an mA indicator, read and record the mA value during the 15­second exposure as High Level Maximum mA #1. Reset the MDH to zero and repeat the 15-second
exposure and record the values for High Level Maximum Exposure Rate #2, High Level Maximum kVp
#2, and High Level Maximum mA #2, respectively.

2.8 Film Recording

Remove the copper and lead sheets from the top of the phantom.

Raise the image intensifier housing to allow adequate space for the compression cone to come into the
field during film recording procedures.

If the facility uses film recording as a part of the upper GI examination, record the selected technique
factors (kVp, mA, mAs and time). Using the procedure below, measure and record the exposure, time,
and obtain a film. If the facility uses both spot and photospot, do your recording and measurements for
the spot film system only.

Select the (four-on-one) mode for all film-recording measurements.

Spot or Photospot Film - Exposure and Time

Place a loaded spot film cassette in the unit and, without making any changes in the standard patient
techniques, with the phantom and probe properly positioned and the beam collimated to the four markings
on the phantom, take a spot or photospot film. Record the exposure as Film Exposure #1. Do not record
this initializing time. The processed film should be retained, the optical density determined, and the
radiograph sent along with the other data.

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2.9 Time and mAs (Manual Mode Only)

If AEC is not used routinely for spot films, then record the following Manual mode technique values. If
time is pre-selected as part of the technique, then record it in the appropriate boxes. Time values are
recorded in milliseconds. Some units have pre-selected mAs; for these units, record the mAs value
selected and leave the mA and time blank. If the unit gives a post exposure digital readout of mAs, this
value should be recorded as mAs.

Spot or Photospot Technique Data with Barium Simulator (Copper)

Have the operator set up, at the console, the techniques routinely used for a spot or photospot film for the
upper GI examination of a standard patient with barium in the beam. Record the film copper kVp and film
copper mA selected.

If AEC is not used routinely for spot films, then record the following Manual mode technique values. If
time is pre-selected as part of the technique, then record it in the appropriate boxes. Time values are
recorded in milliseconds. Some units have pre-selected mAs; for these units record the mAs value
selected and leave the mA and time blank. If the unit gives a post exposure digital readout of mAs, this
value should be recorded as mAs.

Setup

Place the 1 mm sheet of copper on top of the phantom. Use an empty cassette for the barium spot film
measurements.

Set the x-ray unit for the four-on-one format. Without making any changes in the standard patient
techniques, with the phantom and probe properly positioned and the beam collimated to the four markings
on the phantom, take a spot or photospot film. Record the exposure as Film Copper Exposure #1.

Be sure that an empty cassette is in the spot film device: you are ready to make subsequent exposures.
Make an exposure, read and record the exposure measurement in mR as Film Copper Exposure #2
Time. Repeat this procedure, read and record Film Copper Exposure #3 and Copper Film #3 time.

2.10 Fluoroscopy HVL Data

Remove the copper from the top of the phantom. For the HVL measurement on all units, use the same
kVp used for the fluoroscopic upper GI examination.

HVL Manual Mode

The unit must be in the Manual mode with automatic brightness control (ABC) disabled for this method.

With the phantom and probe properly positioned, adjust the size of the fluoroscopic x-ray beam until it is
slightly larger than the sensitive volume of the probe head.

Set the probe selector switch to the Exposure Rate mode. Without making any changes in the standard
patient techniques, make an exposure of at least 15-second duration. Adjust the mA to obtain an
exposure rate of at least 1000 mR/min (1 R/min).

Record the kVp in the HVL section of the data form. Record the exposure rate in mR/min as exposure
rate for 0 mm of aluminum.

Place 1.5 mm aluminum on the tabletop directly beneath the sensitive volume of the probe and make a
second exposure of 15-seconds. Record the output in mR/min for 1.5 mm of aluminum.

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Operation

Fluoroscopy HVL Data

Place an additional 1 mm of aluminum on the tabletop directly beneath the sensitive volume of the probe.
Take a 15-second exposure and record in mR/min the reading for 2.5 mm of aluminum.

Place an additional 2 mm of aluminum on the tabletop directly beneath the sensitive volume of the probe.
Take a 15-second exposure and record in mR/min the reading for 4.5 mm of aluminum.

Place an additional 2 mm of aluminum on the tabletop directly beneath the sensitive volume of the probe.
Take a 15-second exposure and record in mR/min the reading for 6.5 mm of aluminum.

This step need only be performed if the value obtained with 6.5 mm aluminum is not less than half the 0
mm aluminum value. Record the resulting exposure rate value and the total thickness of aluminum (in
mm).

2

2.11 HVL for ABC Units that Cannot be Placed in Manual
Mode

The following procedure is to be used only on those units that cannot be switched into the Manual mode
for HVL determination.

It is essential that a fixed amount of attenuating material remain in the beam between the x-ray tube and
the ABC during all measurements. The position of the aluminum filters in the beam will vary during the
procedure.

1. With the phantom and probe properly positioned, adjust the size of the fluoroscopic x-ray beam until
it is slightly larger than the sensitive volume of the probe head.

2. Set the probe selector switch to the Exposure Rate mode.

3. Place 6.5 mm of aluminum on the tabletop directly beneath the probe. This places 6.5 mm of
aluminum between the tube head and the probe. Without making any changes in the standard
patient techniques, make an exposure of at least 15-second duration and note the exposure rate for

6.5 mm of aluminum.

4. Move the 6.5 mm of aluminum to the top of the phantom. Be sure that the aluminum is completely
in the beam and is over the probe. This places 6.5 mm of aluminum between the phantom and the
ABC. Make a 15-second exposure, and note the exposure rate for 0 mm of aluminum.

5. If the exposure rate obtained in the above step for 0 mm of aluminum is more than twice the
reading obtained in the second step for 6.5 mm of aluminum, record the value obtained in the
above step as the 0 mm of aluminum exposure rate and the value obtained in the second step as
the 6.5 mm of aluminum value. Record the console kVp value in the HVL section of the data form.

6. Do this step only if the second step exposure rate value is not less than half of the step 3 exposure.
Add more aluminum and repeat steps 2 and 3 above until you have sufficient aluminum to exceed
the HVL. When you have added sufficient aluminum filtration, record the total amount of aluminum.
Record the value obtained in step 3 for the total aluminum as the 0 mm of aluminum exposure rate.
Record the value obtained in step 2 for the total aluminum exposure rate value. Record the console
kVp value in the HVL section of the data form.

7. Move 1.5 mm of aluminum from the top of the phantom and place on the tabletop beneath the
probe. This will place 1.5 mm of aluminum between the tube head and the probe, leaving the
remainder of the aluminum between the probe and the ABC. Make a 15-second exposure, and
record the exposure rate for 1.5 mm of aluminum.

8. Move an additional 1 mm of aluminum from the top of the phantom to the tabletop beneath the
probe. This will place 2.5 mm of aluminum between the source and the probe, leaving the
remainder of the aluminum between the probe and the ABC. Make a 1-second exposure, and
record in mR/min the reading for 2.5 mm of aluminum.

9. Move an additional 2 mm of aluminum from the top of the phantom to the tabletop beneath the
probe. This will place 4.5 mm of aluminum between the tube head and the probe, leaving the

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remainder of the aluminum between the probe and the ABC. Make an exposure, and record in
mR/min the reading for 4.5 mm of aluminum.

10. Move an additional 2 mm of aluminum from the top of the phantom to the tabletop beneath the

probe. This will place 6.5 mm of aluminum between the tube head and the probe, leaving the
remainder of the aluminum between the probe and the ABC. Make a 15-second exposure, and
record in mR/min the reading for 6.5 mm of aluminum.

2.12 Estimated HVL

Using a graph, plot the exposure rate versus the aluminum thicknesses used. Determine the HVL to the
nearest tenth of a millimeter of aluminum by drawing the best straight line fit to all but the first.

Low and Low Contrast Fluoroscopy Imaging Data

With the phantom properly positioned in the beam, remove the probe and all aluminum filters. Have the
operator set up the unit with the standard patient techniques. Center the Fluoroscopic Test Tool on the
tabletop beneath the phantom. Set the system to the one-on-one format. Observe the fluoroscopic image
and determine the number of holes you can see on the inner ring, and the number of screen meshes you
can see on the outer ring. Repeat this process three times and record the average for the three
observations.

2.13 Target To Tabletop Distance

Place the Fluoroscopic Test Tool on the tabletop beneath the phantom. The engraved side of the test tool
must be toward the phantom; the large aluminum disc rests on the tabletop. Place a loaded cassette in
the spot film device, set the format to one-on-one and make a spot film exposure. Measure (in
centimeters) and record the distance from the center of the spot film cassette to the tabletop.

On the processed spot film, measure (in centimeters) and record the diameter of the image of the inner
aluminum disc (innermost circle).

Use the following equation to calculate the target-to-tabletop distance in centimeters and record the
values.

Target-to-Tabletop
Distance =

where

SD = Distance, in centimeters, from the center of the spot film cassette to the tabletop

Diam = Diameter, in centimeters, of the image of the inner aluminum disk (innermost circle)

4.4 x SD

Diam = 4.4

cm

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Fluke Biomedical

Radiation Management Services

6045 Cochran Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44139

440.498.2564

www.flukebiomedical.com/rms