A QUALITY ASSURANCE PHANTOM FOR DIAGNOSTIC-RADIOLOGY

A test phantom has been designed for use in diagnostic radiology to fa cilitate the routine measurement of performance for a radiographic tub e. The image provides an index of radiation output, effective energy o f the X ray beam, focal spot size, and radiographic contrast. The cong ruence between the light field and X ray field is also demonstrated. E xposure with a sensitometer before the film is developed gives an inde pendent check of the film processor. The value of this phantom is its ease of use which is a positive motivation for the technologist to use it routinely. The tests are designed so that they are easily interpre ted by the technologist and with a view to future evaluation and analy sis by video camera and computer.