OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the light and radiation fields congruence and radiation beam alignment in medical X-ray equipment in Paraíba state radiology centers by means of two quality control tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A loaded cassette, a measuring tape and a bubble level were utilized in the field size and alignment testing. The evaluation of collimation systems accuracy and X-ray beam alignment was undertaken during health inspections performed in radiology centers between 2008 and 2009. RESULTS: In 2008, 121 X-ray machines were evaluated in the Paraíba state. In 2009, 117 machines were tested. From this universe, 86 machines were selected for comparison, since they were evaluated both in 2008 and 2009, with 18.60% (n = 16) showing test results improvement from one year to another. CONCLUSION: The percentage of problematic X-ray machines decreased between 2008 and 2009, notwithstanding no quality assurance program has been observed in Paraíba state radiology centers.
Equipment; X-rays; Quality control
