Cone Beam Computed Tomography
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Cone Beam Computed Tomography
As the use of cone-beam computed tomography ( CBCT ) machines becomes more prevalent in dentistry , it is important to understand the additional regulations and protocols that offices with CBCT machines are required to adhere to .
Evaluations
CBCT machines are required to receive a performance evaluation conducted by or under the direct supervision of a qualified medical physicist or qualified expert :
• Within 30 days of initial installation
• On an annual basis , not to exceed 14 months
• Within 30 days after any changes or replacement components which could cause a change in the radiation output or image quality
The performance evaluation should follow nationally-recognized standards or those recommended by the manufacturer , and is not the same as the inspection conducted by Department of Environmental Protection .
During the evaluation , the beam alignment must also be evaluated to assure that the x-ray field in the plane of the image receptor may not exceed beyond the edge of the image receptor by more than 2 % of the source-image receptor distance ( SID ), when the axis of the X-ray beam is perpendicular to the plane of the image receptor . In addition , the center of the X-ray field must be aligned with the center of the image receptor to within 2 % of the SID .
Quality Control
Regulations require that CBCT machine registrants :
• Document and implement quality control ( QC ) guidelines in accordance with nationallyrecognized standards
• Document and implement policy addressing deviations for established protocols
• Maintain documentation of established standards and tolerances , and testing results for 5 years for inspection by the Department of Environmental Protection
2023