How is a leakage radiation test performed?

The leakage radiation test is performed by measuring radiation levels outside the protective housing of the x-ray tube. This test is crucial because it ensures that the protective housing effectively contains the radiation produced during x-ray generation. Excess leakage radiation can indicate a failure in the protective housing, which poses significant safety risks to both patients and personnel working near the imaging equipment.

In a properly functioning x-ray system, the amount of leakage radiation should be minimal, adhering to established safety standards. By measuring the levels of radiation outside the housing, technicians can verify compliance with regulatory limits and identify potential issues that may require maintenance or repair.

In contrast, inspecting the interior of the x-ray tube does not assess leakage radiation but rather focuses on conditions inside the tube itself. Observing film quality pertains to the imaging performance rather than radiation safety, and checking equipment maintenance logs provides historical information but does not directly measure current leakage radiation levels. These points emphasize the importance of measuring external radiation levels as a primary method for conducting leakage radiation tests.