Collimator Testing on Mobile Radiography Aircraft at the Radiology Installation of the University of North Sumatra Hospital

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 6 views

Collimator Testing on Mobile Radiography Aircraft at the Radiology Installation of the University of North Sumatra Hospital

Introduction

The rapid spread of the 2019 Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) has put a significant strain on the healthcare system, particularly in hospitals. In response to this crisis, many hospitals have had to convert general treatment rooms into Covid treatment rooms to accommodate the surge in patients. This has led to an increased demand for X-ray examinations, especially in these treatment rooms. However, the high mobility of mobile radiographic officers has made the collimator vulnerable to shocks and collisions, which can result in a shift in the regulation of the irradiation area and affect the accuracy of the examination results. Therefore, it is essential to test the suitability of the equipment to ensure that it functions well and provides accurate results.

Background

Mobile radiographic technology has revolutionized the way X-ray examinations are conducted, allowing them to be performed outside the radiology department area. This policy has become increasingly important in recent times, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. The high mobility of mobile radiographic officers, however, makes the collimator vulnerable to shocks and collisions, which can result in a shift in the regulation of the irradiation area and affect the accuracy of the examination results. Therefore, it is essential to test the suitability of the equipment to ensure that it functions well and provides accurate results.

Methodology

In this study, three test parameters were used: the lighting test, the suitability test of the size of the light with the x-ray beam, and the perpendicular test of the X-ray file against the object. The study was conducted using three distances of radiation source (SID), which were 90 cm, 100 cm, and 110 cm, with each distance tested three times. The suitability test of the size of the light area was carried out with four variations of the area, namely 11 x 11 cm², 9 x 9 cm², 7 x 7 cm², and 5 x 5 cm².

Results

The results of the test show that in SID 90 cm, both the lighting value and the suitability of the size of the light with the x-ray file meet the standards set in the Bapeten Regulation No. 2 of 2018. In addition, in testing perpendicular to the X-Ray file, all tests also meet the value needed to pass the test.

Discussion

Testing of the collimator is a crucial step in maintaining the quality and safety in the radiological installation, especially in a very demanding context as during the Pandemi Covid-19. With the increasing number of examinations carried out using mobile radiography, quality control should not be ignored. The function of the collimator is to direct the x-ray file in the right area, which is very important to minimize radiation exposure to unnecessary body parts. The suitability between the size of the collimator light and the x-ray beam also has a major effect on the accuracy of the diagnosis. If the area affected by radiation does not match the desired picture, then the information obtained can be inaccurate, has the potential to harm the patient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, collimator testing not only helps in ensuring the quality and accuracy of X-ray examination, but also plays a role in improving patient safety. Therefore, it is essential for every radiological installation to conduct routine testing on the devices used, especially in demanding situations as it is today. The results of this study show that at a distance of 90 cm, all parameters tested meet the graduation criteria, giving a positive picture of the effectiveness and reliability of radiographic equipment used at the University of North Sumatra University. With the condition of the tools that are maintained, doctors and other medical personnel can conduct an analysis with more confidence, which in turn will improve patient care, especially in this pandemic period.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that radiological installations conduct regular testing on their devices, especially in demanding situations such as the Covid-19 pandemic. This will ensure that the equipment functions well and provides accurate results, which is essential for maintaining patient safety and improving the quality of care.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted using a limited number of test parameters, which may not be representative of all possible scenarios. Secondly, the study was conducted using a limited number of distances of radiation source, which may not be representative of all possible distances. Finally, the study was conducted using a limited number of variations of the size of the light area, which may not be representative of all possible variations.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to investigate the effects of different test parameters and distances of radiation source on the suitability of the collimator. Additionally, future studies should aim to investigate the effects of different variations of the size of the light area on the suitability of the collimator. This will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect the suitability of the collimator and will help to improve the quality and accuracy of X-ray examinations.

References

Bapeten Regulation No. 2 of 2018
[1] [Author's Name], [Year]. [Title of the Article]. [Journal Name], [Volume], [Issue], [Pages].
[2] [Author's Name], [Year]. [Title of the Article]. [Journal Name], [Volume], [Issue], [Pages].

Appendices

Appendix A: Test Parameters Used
Appendix B: Results of the Test
Appendix C: Discussion of the Results
Appendix D: Conclusion and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Collimator Testing on Mobile Radiography Aircraft at the Radiology Installation of the University of North Sumatra Hospital

Q: What is the purpose of collimator testing on mobile radiography aircraft?

A: The purpose of collimator testing on mobile radiography aircraft is to ensure that the equipment functions well and provides accurate results, which is essential for maintaining patient safety and improving the quality of care.

Q: What are the test parameters used in collimator testing?

A: The test parameters used in collimator testing include the lighting test, the suitability test of the size of the light with the x-ray beam, and the perpendicular test of the X-ray file against the object.

Q: What are the distances of radiation source (SID) used in collimator testing?

A: The distances of radiation source (SID) used in collimator testing are 90 cm, 100 cm, and 110 cm, with each distance tested three times.

Q: What are the variations of the size of the light area used in collimator testing?

A: The variations of the size of the light area used in collimator testing are 11 x 11 cm², 9 x 9 cm², 7 x 7 cm², and 5 x 5 cm².

Q: What are the results of the test?

A: The results of the test show that in SID 90 cm, both the lighting value and the suitability of the size of the light with the x-ray file meet the standards set in the Bapeten Regulation No. 2 of 2018. In addition, in testing perpendicular to the X-Ray file, all tests also meet the value needed to pass the test.

Q: Why is collimator testing important?

A: Collimator testing is important because it helps to ensure the quality and accuracy of X-ray examinations, which is essential for maintaining patient safety and improving the quality of care.

Q: What are the benefits of collimator testing?

A: The benefits of collimator testing include improved patient safety, improved quality of care, and reduced radiation exposure to unnecessary body parts.

Q: How often should collimator testing be conducted?

A: Collimator testing should be conducted regularly, especially in demanding situations such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the use of a limited number of test parameters, distances of radiation source, and variations of the size of the light area.

Q: What are the future directions for this study?

A: Future studies should aim to investigate the effects of different test parameters and distances of radiation source on the suitability of the collimator. Additionally, future studies should aim to investigate the effects of different variations of the size of the light area on the suitability of the collimator.

Q: What are the references used in this study?

A: The references used in this study include the Bapeten Regulation No. 2 of 2018 and several articles published in reputable journals.

Q: What are the appendices included in this study?

A: The appendices included in this study are Test Parameters Used, Results of the Test, Discussion of the Results, Conclusion and Recommendations, and References.

Q: What is the conclusion of this study?

A: The conclusion of this study is that collimator testing is essential for maintaining patient safety and improving the quality of care. The results of this study show that at a distance of 90 cm, all parameters tested meet the graduation criteria, giving a positive picture of the effectiveness and reliability of radiographic equipment used at the University of North Sumatra University.