New Electronic Meter Helps Calibrate X-Ray AEC

November 18, 2010 — A new electronic meter can be used in the process to achieve calibration of a mammography X-ray unit’s automatic exposure control (AEC) to operate with the Carestream Directview computed radiography (CR) mammography system. The mammography X-ray unit’s AEC calibration procedures for screen-film systems are based on reading and performing adjustments to obtain a constant optical density (OD) readout with varying breast equivalent material thicknesses and X-ray energies (kVp).

The DISC QA Mamchex tool (model QMX-Carestream) has the unique capability to provide an optical density readout that correlates to an exposure made when using Directview CR mammography cassettes with electronic health record (EHR) screens. Thus, the mammography X-ray unit’s service personnel uses the same adjustment procedures as established for a screen-film system to calibrate the AEC for use with the Carestream Health’s CR mammography system. The QA Mamchex Tool also provides customers an ongoing check that the optical density readout remains consistent to when the AEC was calibrated.

This new meter may be seen in Booth 1909, Lakeside Hall, during the upcoming RSNA.

For more information: www.discorp.ca