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Asset Type
Fluoroscopy / Interventional System
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots failed calibration or quality-control testing caused by setup, positioning, environmental, accessory, readiness, or repeatability problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect Patients From Use of an Unverified System
If a required calibration or quality-control check has failed, do not assume the system remains suitable for clinical imaging. Follow department policy regarding removal from clinical use until the failure is understood.
Expected outcome: The system is not used clinically when required performance verification is unresolved.
2. Identify the Exact Failed Test
Document which calibration or QC procedure failed, the stage at which it failed, displayed messages, and whether the problem is repeatable.
Do not substitute an unrelated test as evidence that the failed test is acceptable.
Expected outcome: The exact failed verification step is identified.
3. Verify the Test Setup
Confirm the correct approved test device, phantom, positioning method, accessories, and normal test workflow were used. Check that the setup has not shifted or been altered.
Expected outcome: The test setup matches the facility or manufacturer-approved procedure. If correcting the setup produces a passing result, troubleshooting can stop after repeat verification.
4. Check Positioning and Alignment
Verify that the test object, detector, table, and imaging geometry are positioned consistently with the approved test method. Remove unintended objects from the imaging field.
Expected outcome: Test geometry is correct and repeatable. If alignment correction resolves the failure, document the successful repeat test.
5. Confirm System Readiness
Verify that the Ultimax-i has completed startup and that acquisition hardware, detector functions, and workstation controls are stable before repeating the test.
Expected outcome: The system is fully ready before QC testing begins. If the test now passes reliably, troubleshooting can stop.
6. Inspect Relevant External Accessories
Check test fixtures, cables, positioning aids, external sensors, or other approved accessories used during the procedure for damage, contamination, looseness, or incorrect placement.
Expected outcome: Required accessories are intact and correctly connected. If an accessory was responsible, replace it with an approved known-good item and repeat the test.
7. Check Environmental Conditions
Look for unusual room temperature, recent power events, construction, vibration, or other environmental changes that may affect consistent imaging or calibration.
Do not invent or apply environmental limits not provided by approved documentation.
Expected outcome: No obvious external environmental condition is affecting the test.
8. Repeat the Approved Test
Repeat the failed test from the beginning using the approved procedure and unchanged valid conditions. Do not adjust hidden calibration values simply to obtain a pass.
Expected outcome: The system completes the required calibration or QC check successfully and repeatably. If successful, troubleshooting can stop.
If the Problem Persists
A repeatable failure after setup, positioning, accessories, readiness, and environmental causes have been ruled out may indicate detector calibration, imaging chain performance, acquisition electronics, generator performance, configuration, or another internal service-level issue.
Remove the system from service when required QC or calibration cannot be completed. Label it Out of Service and arrange qualified service evaluation using Canon documentation and approved test equipment.
Any calibration adjustment or repair should be completed only by appropriately qualified personnel. Required calibration, QC, imaging, and safety testing must pass before return to clinical service.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Never convert a failed QC result into a passing one by changing undocumented settings or altering the test method.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Staff reported that the Canon Ultimax-i quality-control imaging test repeatedly failed."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the QC phantom incorrectly positioned relative to the imaging field."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering corrected the phantom setup, repeated the approved QC procedure, and verified a successful result."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact test that failed
- Displayed message
- Test equipment or phantom used
- Positioning observed
- Acquisition readiness
- Accessory condition
- Recent environmental or power event
- Initial test result
- Repeat test result
- Final device status
Final Thought
Calibration and QC failures require disciplined verification of the test itself before equipment failure is assumed. Confirm setup, positioning, readiness, and accessories, but stop when service-level calibration or repair is indicated. Document both the failed and final verification results.
That is successful troubleshooting.