On this page
Asset Type
Fluoroscopy / Interventional System
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Identifies external causes of flat panel or detector artifacts, such as loose cables, interference, or misalignment, ensuring clear imaging and patient safety.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient and Staff Safety
- Confirm no patient is on the table and staff are clear.
- Why: Prevents injury during equipment handling or adjustment.
Inspect Detector Connections
- Check all flat panel and detector cables for secure connections and visible damage.
- Expected Outcome: Properly seated cables may eliminate intermittent or patterned artifacts.
Verify System Power Stability
- Ensure system is plugged into a stable power source; check UPS or backup systems.
- Expected Outcome: Power fluctuations can create transient artifacts; stable power resolves these.
Check for Interference Sources
- Remove or turn off nearby electronic devices that may emit electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- Expected Outcome: Artifact patterns caused by EMI should disappear.
Inspect Detector Surface and Housing
- Look for dirt, smudges, or obstructions on the detector surface; clean per manufacturer guidelines.
- Expected Outcome: Cleaning may remove streaks or localized bright/dark spots.
Review Imaging Parameters and Acquisition Settings
- Verify correct acquisition mode, dose settings, and image post-processing settings.
- Expected Outcome: Incorrect parameters can create apparent artifacts; correcting settings resolves them.
Perform System Self-Test / Detector Calibration
- Run detector calibration or self-test routines per system prompts.
- Expected Outcome: Detector artifacts due to misalignment or calibration drift may be corrected.
If the Problem Persists
External causes have been ruled out; issue likely internal (detector electronics or panel failure).
Action: Remove device from service, label as Out of Service, and send for manufacturer or authorized repair.
Knowing when to stop prevents further damage and maintains patient safety.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not attempt imaging on a patient if artifacts compromise diagnostic quality.
Move patient to another functional system while troubleshooting.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Interventional staff reported streaking and bright spots on flat panel images during procedures."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Loose detector cable and minor calibration drift identified."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Reconnected cable, cleaned detector surface, and ran calibration; artifacts resolved."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Outlet and power source checked
- Cables inspected and reseated
- Detector surface cleaned
- Calibration performed
- Artifact pattern noted and resolved
Final Thought
Systematic troubleshooting ensures patient safety and image quality. Following logical checks avoids unnecessary internal repairs and reinforces accurate work order documentation. Proper escalation protects both staff and equipment.
That is successful troubleshooting.