Maintaining Intraoral Imaging X-Ray Equipment
Brand: Midmark
Introduction
Performing annual routine maintenance on intraoral X-ray equipment is good practice to ensure the equipment is functioning properly and safely.
Image: A dental professional wearing gloves, a mask, and protective eyewear is positioning an intraoral X-ray arm over a seated patient who is wearing a blue protective bib and safety glasses.
Preva Intraoral Digital X-Ray System: Regular Maintenance
Make sure your system is ready from day one with a system readiness check from your installer or service technician. For ongoing equipment safety, establish a regular maintenance program. Schedule your qualified service technician to review the system readiness checklist annually. Note: The product owner is responsible for arranging for this service and ensuring the personnel performing service procedures are fully qualified.
System Readiness Checklist
| Component | Directions |
|---|---|
| Wall Mounting | Verify that the wall support is adequate and that the system is properly mounted to the wall. |
| Labels | Verify that all certified components bear labels that include the model and serial number, date of manufacture and a statement of certification as noted in the Preva Installation and Service Manual. |
| Tubehead | Check for oil leaks or other evidence that could indicate internal damage. Damaged or otherwise faulty tubeheads may need to be replaced. |
| Tubehead Rotation | Ensure that the tubehead maintains its position around the horizontal axis while remaining easy to rotate and position. Also check the vertical pivot of the tubehead for easy movement while remaining in position after moving. |
| Suspension | Check that all movements are smooth and quiet. Verify that the tubehead is properly counterbalanced for vertical drift and that the horizontal and articulated arms do not drift horizontally. |
| Power Switch | Verify that the switch is working properly and that the ready indicator is illuminated when the power switch is in the ON position. |
| Operator Panel Controls | With the power switch in the ON position, verify that technique factors appear on the operator panel. Also, check the function of the selection buttons for Tooth Selection, Image Receptor Type and Patient Size. Pressing a selection button will cause indicator lamps to indicate the selected item. |
| Exposure Button | Verify that the Exposure button on the operator panel functions properly. To make an exposure, press and hold the Exposure button until the radiation indicator goes off and the audible signal stops. |
| Exposure Indicators | Make several exposures and verify that the radiation indicator illuminates and the audible signal is heard. |
| Premature Termination | Select the longest exposure time possible using the up and down arrows. Initiate an exposure but release the exposure button after a brief period of time (before the timer terminates the exposure). Verify that the display indicates "pre-termination error" and returns to normal operating mode. |
| Coil-cord Hand Switch Option | If a coil-cord handswitch is used, inspect the switch housing and coil cord for damage or wear. Replace them if there is any evidence of damage. |
| User Information | Verify that the owner of the system has received the user manual. |
CAUTION: Do not use the Preva Dental X-Ray System if it cannot perform the functions in the System Function Checklist. Refer to the Troubleshooting section of the Preva Installation and Service Manual (00-02-1577) or contact Midmark Technical Support.
Preva Mobile Casters: Monthly Maintenance
Repeatedly rolling the system over rough surfaces like thresholds or rough floors can cause casters to loosen. Inspect them monthly and, if necessary, follow this procedure to tighten them.
Step 1: Check for Visible Threads
Casters attach to the mobile base as shown in Image A. When correctly seated, a caster will be snug against the base (Image B). If the caster begins loosening, threads will be visible between it and the mobile base (Image C). If caster threads are visible, stop moving the X-ray system.
Image A: Close-up of a caster wheel attached to the mobile base of the X-ray system.
Image B: Close-up showing a caster correctly seated against the mobile base, with no visible threads.
Image C: Close-up showing a caster that has loosened, with visible threads between the caster and the mobile base.
Step 2: Tighten Loose Casters
Using a 7/16" box end wrench, tighten any loose caster bolts. First, reach under the arm of the mobile base and position the wrench over the caster bolt. (Bolts will not be visible during this procedure, but Image D shows a properly positioned wrench.)
Image D: A hand holding a 7/16" box end wrench positioned over a caster bolt on the underside of the mobile base.
Optional: While the caster can be tightened without it, this step is considerably easier if the mobile base is elevated so the wheel is off the floor slightly. Two people are required to perform this action. Lift the mobile base at one of the casters and slide something stable that is at least 4.5 inches thick under it. In Image E, three reams of standard copier paper were used.
Image E: The mobile base is elevated by placing stable material (shown as three reams of copier paper) under one of the casters, lifting the wheel off the floor.
Step 3: Test Caster Movement
Test the operation of the casters by moving the X-ray system in different directions. For systems manufactured before October 2017, a service kit is available that will prevent casters from loosening. Refer to Technical Advisory Notice 003-10221-00, available through the Midmark Technical Library.
Midmark Intraoral Digital Sensor System: Regular Maintenance
Midmark sensors should be disinfected between every use, following the recommended disinfection protocols in the user guide. If there is visible damage to a sensor or images are compromised, stop using the sensor and contact Technical Support.
