The Mamchex/AEC separates x-ray machine from film processing quality control. The x-ray machine output can be surveyed daily or at any time to tell whether the machine is ready to make human exposures safely and diagnostically. The Mamchex meter looks at the light output from the intensifying screen in the cassette (the same light the film sees); and displays digitally whether any factor has caused the machine x-ray beam to change since the last time it was checked. The Mamchex can detect mammographic machine drift and/or beam change and can tell the operator whether the machine should/should not be used. The Mamchex intelligent meter uses a microcontroller to track the output of the machine and displays a digital number (QC number) that can be compared to a calibrated output; if the number changes significantly over the short or long term, the machine may need recalibration. If the digital number does not change but the image quality has changed, then other components of the imaging chain should be investigated.
Applications
Technologists can use this meter at any time to indicate calibration status or calibration drift.
The Mamchex is easy to operate:
Slip Mamchex into the Bucky, the same as the film/screen cassette, until it locks into place.
Turn it on.
Push the reset button, wait till the LCD says “Ready for Exposure.”
Expose it.
Read the number and compare it to a calibration number. The number tells whether the operator has a “go” or “no go” situation.
Features
An intelligent meter that monitors daily quality control and calibration of mammographic x-ray machines
Separates x-ray machine from film processing quality control
Convenient, fast, and accurate assessment of the AEC Systems’ performance
Diagnostic power-up sequence to indicate operational status
Manual reset using the Power/Reset button
Automatic power-down when meter is not used for more than one minute
