Features
Quality Assurance in X-Ray Film Processing
Why Quality Assurance?
X-ray examinations can lead to an increased radiation dose to the patient. To minimize this risk as much as possible, quality assurance methods are crucial requirements.
In x-ray film processing, quality assurance is required for high-quality images.
Gradual changes in x-ray quality can be noticed in time saving film costs while ensuring diagnostic quality images.
The Application
To ensure a constant high level of film processing quality, a daily performance check of the film processor is required.
A sensitometer is used to expose a grey wedge with 21 steps on a test strip of the x-ray film. After developing the film, a densitometer will be used to measure the density of various steps of the grey step wedge.
Errors in the film processing such as changes in speed and contrast of the exposed film are detected by this method.
The Concept
Capintec has made thorough studies for this special application. The result is the darklight® concept offering both the functions of a sensitometer and densitometer in one device. (Stand-alone Sensitometer and Densitometer is also available for individual purchase) Special attention was paid to an esthetic and practical design that meets the requirements of everyday routine film processor QC.
Useful details such as the variable positioning pins for different film formats, the one-hand operation of the densitometer, an optional scan function for the automatic measurement of all 21 grey steps and the calculation of the daily deviations characterize the design of the darklight® and facilitates the QC job.
Specifications
Combined Sensitometer- and Densitometer
- For constancy tests of film processors according to German Standard DIN 6868 and International Standard IEC 61223-2-1
- High precision and reliability
- Sensitometer according to DIN 6868-2
- Densitometer with digital display
Optional:
Combined Sensitometer and Densitometer with integrated PC interface and user menu darklight® duo
- RS232 Interface (9- poles serial socket) for data transmission to PC
- Integrated user menu for guiding the user through the operation steps for constancy test
- Stored reference values for up to 25 working locations
- Output of logarithmic speed and average gradient (LS and G) as defined in ISO 9236-1
- Automatic function for connection measurements for new film batches
- Output of new reference values according to DIN V 6868-55 (Dmin, sensitivity index SI, contrast ind. CI)
Technical Data
- Size: 240×165 x 60 mm
- Weight: 800g (without batteries)
- Power: 4 x AA/ 1.5 V (Alkaline or NiCd) or darklight ® power supply
Sensitometer
Specification by German Standard DIN 6868-2 and DIN V 6868-55
- Spectral characteristic: blue/green switchable
- Peak wave length: blue 460 nm + 10 nm; green 510 nm + nm
- Exposure: adjustable in 5 steps, divided for every exposure color; +0.3 log exp.; +0.15 log exp.; -0.15 log exp; -0.3 log exp.
- Long term exposure stability; + 0.02 log exp.
- Grey wedge: 21 steps
- Grey wedge constant: 0.15 log exp.
- Homogenity of the steps: + 0.01 log exp
- Precision of the steps: + 5% (0.05) for sensi/duo; + 1% (0.01) for sensi ref/ duo re; Step 1 covered (Measuring value for base and fog = Dmin)
Densitometer
- Specification by German Standard DIN 6868-2, DIN V 6868-55 and International Standard IEC 61223-2-1
- Spectral characteristics: visual optical density according to German standard DIN 4512-3; internal light source
- Measuring orifice aperture: Ø 3mm
- Measuring range: D = 0 up to D> 4.5
- Measuring accuracy for D< 3: + 0.01 (max. + 0.02)
- Repeat accuracy for D: + 0.01
- Optional: RS 232 Interface (9- poles serial socket) for data transmission to PC; integrated user menu
Parts
- 0695-0083 Darklight Sensitometer
- 0695-0082 Darklight Densitometer
- 0695-0084 Darklight Duo EC Combination Sensitometer and Densitometer
- 0695-0085 Darklight Duo Combination Sensitometer and Densitometer with PC Interface
- 0695-0086 Darklight Duo CombinationSensitometer and Densitometer with Automatic Scanning and PC Interface
Image Gallery
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