Imaging Sci Dent.  2012 Mar;42(1):1-4. 10.5624/isd.2012.42.1.1.

Effect of the amount of battery charge on tube voltage in different hand-held dental x-ray systems

• Kim EK

• KMID: 1974400
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2012.42.1.1

Abstract

PURPOSE
Hand-held dental x-ray system is a self contained x-ray machine designed to perform intraoral radiography with one or two hands. The issue about its usage as general dental radiography is still in dispute. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between the amount of battery charge and the tube voltage in different hand-held dental x-ray systems.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seven hand-held dental x-ray units were used for the study. Tube voltage was measured with Unfors ThinX RAD (Unfors Instruments AB, Billdal, Sweden) for 3 consecutive exposures at the different amount of battery charge of each unit. The average and the deviation percentage of measured kV from indicated kV of each unit were calculated.
RESULTS
Tube voltage of only 1 unit was 70 kV (indicated by manufacturer) and those of the others were 60 kV. Tube voltage deviation percentage from the indicated kV at the fully charged battery was from 2.5% to -5.5% and from -0.8% to -10.0% at the lowest charged battery.
CONCLUSION
Tube voltages of all units decreased as the residual amount of the battery charge decreased. It is suggested that the performance test for hand-held x-ray system should be performed for the minimum residual charged battery as well as the full charged one. Persistent battery charging is suggested to maintain the proper tube voltage of the hand-held portable x-ray system.

Keyword

Radiography, Dental; Occupational Exposure; Radiation, Ionizing; Radiation Protection

MeSH Terms

Dissent and Disputes
Fees and Charges
Hand
Occupational Exposure
Radiation Protection
Radiation, Ionizing
Radiography, Dental

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