TDP x-Ray Pro Maintenance Checklist: Keep It Running Like NewKeeping your TDP x-Ray Pro operating reliably and safely requires a combination of daily attention, periodic inspections, routine servicing, and careful record-keeping. This comprehensive maintenance checklist covers practical steps, safety precautions, and troubleshooting tips so your imaging system continues to deliver clear diagnostics and a long service life.
Why maintenance matters
Regular maintenance reduces downtime, extends equipment life, preserves image quality, and ensures patient and staff safety. Preventive care also helps you catch small issues before they become costly repairs or safety hazards.
Daily checks (before first use)
- Visual inspection of the unit exterior: look for cracks, loose panels, dents, or missing screws.
- Power and indicator lights: confirm the TDP x-Ray Pro powers up normally and status LEDs show no errors.
- Cables and connectors: ensure power cord and data/communication cables are intact with no frays, exposed wires, kinks, or loose ends.
- X‑ray tube area and collimator: clear of objects, tools, and dust; collimator blades move freely if applicable.
- Radiation warning signage and barriers: verify signage is visible and any required shielding or barriers are in place.
- Control console functionality: test basic controls, exposure settings, and display responsiveness.
- Image preview/test exposure: run a low-dose test exposure to ensure the console receives images and there are no gross artifacts.
- Room environment: check for adequate ventilation, appropriate temperature, and no obstruction to equipment movement.
Weekly tasks
- Clean surfaces and touchpoints: wipe down external surfaces, control panel, and handles with manufacturer‑approved disinfectant; avoid abrasive solvents.
- Inspect detector and plates: ensure flat-panel detectors or imaging plates are clean, free of scratches, and seated correctly. Use soft, lint-free cloths.
- Check moving parts: test adjustable stands, rails, and wheels for smooth motion and secure locking mechanisms. Lubricate per manufacturer guidance if needed.
- Backup important settings: export or record system configurations and exposure protocols to a secure location.
Monthly procedures
- Detailed cable inspection: unplug and inspect connectors for corrosion, bent pins, or foreign debris.
- Image quality assurance (IQA) test: perform a standardized test (phantom image) to evaluate contrast, uniformity, and spatial resolution. Compare to baseline images.
- Radiation leakage check: use a survey meter to measure stray radiation around the unit perimeter; levels should match regulatory limits.
- Software and firmware review: check for available updates from the manufacturer; plan updates during low-use periods after backing up data.
- Check UPS and power conditioning equipment: verify battery status and load handling; replace UPS batteries per manufacturer intervals.
Quarterly maintenance
- Calibrate exposure settings: have a qualified technician validate and, if necessary, recalibrate kVp, mA, exposure time, and AEC functionality.
- Inspect cooling system: ensure fans and vents in the generator and electronics enclosures are free from dust; clean or replace filters.
- Evaluate image post‑processing: confirm that DICOM tags, image routing, and PACS integration work correctly; test image transfer speeds and integrity.
- Verify safety interlocks: test door interlocks, emergency stop, and any radiation-safe interlocks to confirm immediate shut-down when triggered.
Annual servicing (by authorized technician)
- Comprehensive preventive maintenance: full inspection of the generator, tube, detectors, power supply, mechanical assemblies, and safety systems according to manufacturer checklist.
- X‑ray tube performance test: measure output, focal spot, and any drift in tube efficiency; document tube hours and plan replacement if approaching end-of-life.
- High-voltage system inspection: verify insulation, connections, and high-voltage components for wear or degradation.
- Regulatory compliance audit: confirm the system meets local radiation safety regulations and that documentation is up-to-date.
- Replace consumables: replace filters, seals, batteries, and other wear items as recommended.
Record-keeping and documentation
- Maintain a log (digital or paper) with dates, performed checks, test results, software versions, and technician notes.
- Record exposure test images and numerical IQA results to detect trends over time.
- Track x‑ray tube cumulative hours and number of exposures to plan timely replacement.
- Keep user manuals, service bulletins, and parts lists accessible.
Cleaning chemicals and materials — do’s and don’ts
- Do use manufacturer‑recommended disinfectants and cleaners.
- Do use soft, lint-free cloths and non‑abrasive applicators.
- Don’t spray liquids directly onto consoles or detectors; apply to cloth first.
- Don’t use acetone, undiluted bleach, strong solvents, or abrasive pads on plastic housings or display surfaces.
Common problems and quick fixes
- Symptom: flickering or missing image — Check cable connections, detector seating, and console software; reboot system and retry.
- Symptom: elevated noise or fan running constantly — Clean ventilation paths and verify ambient temperature; schedule technician inspection if persistent.
- Symptom: inconsistent exposures or poor image quality — Run IQA phantom test, review exposure logs, and check tube hours; recalibrate if needed.
- Symptom: error codes on startup — Consult the manual for code definitions, document the code, and contact support if the code indicates hardware failure.
Safety reminders
- Only qualified personnel should open covers or service high-voltage components.
- Always follow local radiation safety rules and wear appropriate dosimetry when required.
- Lock out/tag out power sources before performing electrical maintenance.
Sample maintenance checklist (printable)
Daily
- Visual exterior inspection
- Power on check & LEDs
- Cables/connector quick check
- Clear tube/collimator area
- Control console basic test
- Low-dose test exposure
Weekly
- Clean exterior & touchpoints
- Inspect detectors/plates
- Test moving parts & locks
- Backup settings
Monthly
- Unplug & inspect connectors
- IQA phantom image & compare
- Radiation leakage survey
- Software/firmware review
- UPS check
Quarterly
- Calibrate exposures (tech)
- Clean/inspect cooling system
- Test DICOM/PACS transfers
- Verify safety interlocks
Annual (authorized service)
- Full preventive maintenance
- X‑ray tube performance & hours
- High-voltage inspection
- Regulatory compliance audit
- Replace consumables
If you want, I can convert the sample checklist into a printable one‑page PDF or provide a blank log template (CSV/Excel) for tracking inspections and results.
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