Step Wedge Quality Control Kit

The DBG have developed an Image Quality Control Test
Kit in conjuntion with Mr. Timothy Reynolds HDCR. TDCR
and Dr. Richard DeCann MSc. PhD. HDCR. SRR. to assist
dental practices to comply with regulations.

The weakest link in the imaging chain in a dental practice
is normally the film processor.

It is the processor that is most likely to cause degradation
of the image quality creating the need for additional radiation
doses for the patient due to repeat examinations. Failure to
detect early changes in the processor performance may also
lead to errors in diagnosis. It is for these reasons Quality
Assurance and Quality Control tests for the proessor are necessary.

The regular performance of Quality Control tests
on the processor is also a mandatory requirement
under the 'Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999' (IRR'99).

Failre to implement regular image tests is a direct breach
of IRR'99 and the Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposures)
Regulations IR(ME)R2000. Under IR(ME)R2000 regulations,
you must ensure that the best possible image is produced
by each radiation dose. A meaningful record of testing
must also be kept.

The DBG kit employs a "stepped" wedge with nine steps
along with an illustrated guide on how to use the kit, examples
of what your test image should look like and suggestions
on how to improve the quality of the image.
The kit is contained in a hard case for ease of storage.