Fluke Biomedical 18-220 - Manual (Page 7)

Operation
Use of Phantom
2
2-1
Section 2
Operation
2.1 USE OF PHANTOM
Accreditation Program
Follow the detailed instructions furnished separately by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
General System Monitoring
Place the phantom on the image receptor surface in the same position as a breast. The nipple indent
marker should be positioned away from the chest wall, just as the nipple of the patient’s breast would be
positioned. Position the x-ray tube and compression device as you would for a craniocaudal examination
of a patient’s breast. Choose the kVp and mAs factors as you would use for an average 4.5 cm breast
and make an exposure. If the phototimer is used, set the phototimer to an inward position under the wax
portion of the phantom. Use the phototimer settings as you would for an average 4.5 cm compressed
breast. Process the exposed film or xeroradiographic plate. This image will represent the imaging
abilities of your machine using these clinical factors. If the image is over or under exposed, make a
suitable adjustment in your factors and repeat the exposure. This is an indication that adjustments may
be necessary for patient imaging of these compressed breast thicknesses and should be checked.
Interpretation of Image
Once an acceptable image has been obtained, have one or more viewers identify and record which
objects are seen. Use a magnifying glass to look for the structures as you would on a patient’s
mammogram. A good imaging system should be able to see the 3
rd speck group, 4 th fiber, and the 3 rd
mass.
2.2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The Accreditation Phantom is manufactured to specifications provided by the American College of
Radiology.