How to Be X-ray Quality Control Inspector - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 30, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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X-ray Quality Control Inspectors play an important role in ensuring the safety of products and services within the medical, industrial and manufacturing industries. They are responsible for inspecting and testing X-ray equipment to ensure that it is functioning properly and producing accurate results. If any defects or malfunctions are found, these must be reported and the equipment repaired or replaced as necessary.

This is to ensure that the products and services meet the relevant safety standards and regulations. The effects of a defective X-ray machine can be serious, ranging from inaccurate test results, to radiation exposure to patients, to the potential for injury or death. Therefore, the work of X-ray Quality Control Inspectors is essential in preventing these hazards and maintaining the highest level of safety.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers prefer to hire individuals who have a high school diploma or GED. You may be able to find an entry-level job in quality control without a diploma, but it's unlikely.
Pursue an Educational Program. Most employers prefer applicants who have completed a degree or certificate program in a related field, such as medical imaging, radiology or nuclear medicine. You can find programs offered at community colleges, vocational schools and universities.
Obtain Relevant Work Experience. Employers typically look for candidates with some type of work experience in the field, such as an internship or volunteer position. This can help you gain an understanding of the job and the related responsibilities.
Earn Certification. While certification is not required to become an X-ray quality control inspector, it can give you an advantage over other job candidates. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) offers a certification exam for radiologic technologists interested in quality control positions.
Keep Up with Changes. Because technology and regulations are always changing in the field of X-ray quality control, it's important to stay abreast of any changes. Consider joining professional organizations related to the field and take continuing education classes when available.

In order to keep up to date and competent as an X-ray Quality Control Inspector, it is necessary to stay on top of industry developments and trends. This can be achieved by regularly attending relevant conferences, seminars, and training sessions, reading professional journals and industry publications, and networking with peers and professionals in the field. Additionally, maintaining certification in relevant areas and staying current with the latest technology and equipment is essential to remain competent. By taking these steps to stay informed, an X-ray Quality Control Inspector can ensure they have the knowledge necessary to effectively do their job and remain competent in the industry.

You may want to check X-ray Physicist, X-ray Safety Officer, and X-ray Applications Consultant for alternative.

Job Description

Inspect X-ray images to ensure they meet quality standards.
Monitor X-ray equipment to ensure it is functioning properly.
Analyze X-ray images and make adjustments as needed to ensure quality.
Document any discrepancies found in X-ray images.
Follow safety protocols when handling and inspecting X-ray images.
Perform routine maintenance and calibration of X-ray equipment.
Maintain records of all X-ray images inspected and any necessary adjustments made.
Train new employees on proper X-ray image inspection techniques.
Assist in the development of new X-ray quality control procedures.
Communicate with X-ray technicians and other staff members to ensure quality control standards are met.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of X-ray inspection techniques and equipment
Familiarity with applicable codes, standards, and regulations
Ability to interpret X-ray images and detect defects
Ability to read and comprehend engineering drawings and specifications
Ability to write detailed inspection reports and maintain accurate records
Problem solving and critical thinking skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Working knowledge of computers and software programs
Attention to detail and accuracy
Time management and organizational skills

X-ray Quality Control Inspectors are responsible for ensuring that X-ray machines are working correctly and safely. The job requires strong attention to detail, as they must be able to accurately detect any defects or malfunctions in the machines. This requires a thorough understanding of the X-ray equipment, its components, and how they interact with each other.

In addition, they must be able to identify any irregularities that may pose a safety risk to patients. A good X-ray Quality Control Inspector must possess excellent problem-solving skills in order to identify the root cause of any malfunction or defect. They must also have good communication skills in order to effectively relay any issues to their colleagues or supervisors.

Finally, they must be able to work independently and be comfortable taking initiative to ensure that all X-ray machines are working correctly.

X-ray Scientist, X-ray Production Manager, and X-ray Systems Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with quality control inspections of X-ray equipment?
Describe the most complex X-ray equipment quality control inspection you have performed.
How do you ensure accurate results when inspecting X-ray equipment?
What safety procedures do you follow when inspecting X-ray equipment?
How do you stay up-to-date on changes and advancements in X-ray equipment quality control?
What standards do you use when inspecting X-ray equipment?
How do you identify and address any issues with X-ray equipment?
How do you communicate with other departments when necessary during inspections?
How do you document your findings after an inspection?
Describe a time when your inspection identified a fault or potential safety issue with X-ray equipment.

Common Tools in Industry

X-ray Film Viewer. Used to view X-ray films to identify any defects or faults. (Eg: Panasonic X-ray Film Viewer)
X-ray Spectrum Analyzer. Used to analyze the X-ray spectrum and identify any irregularities or anomalies. (Eg: Rigaku X-ray Spectrum Analyzer)
Imaging Software. Used to capture, store and analyze digital X-ray images. (Eg: Kodak Digital Science X-ray Imaging Software)
Ultrasonic Detection Equipment. Used to detect any cracks, corrosion or other damage in X-ray parts. (Eg: Olympus Ultrasonic Detection Equipment)
Dimensional Measuring Tools. Used to measure the dimensions of X-ray parts for accuracy. (Eg: Mitutoyo Vernier Calipers)
Spectrometer. Used to measure the energy levels of X-rays for quality control. (Eg: Bruker Elemental Spectrometer)
Non-Destructive Testing Equipment. Used to detect any flaws or defects in X-ray parts without damaging them. (Eg: Olympus Non-Destructive Testing Equipment)
Radiation Detection Equipment. Used to measure the levels of radiation emitted by X-rays. (Eg: Holfox Radiation Detection Equipment)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Quality (ASQ)
International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua)
American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT)
American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
American College of Radiology (ACR)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC)

We also have X-ray Machine Maintenance Technician, X-ray Safety Monitor, and X-ray Research Scientist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Radiation Safety. A set of rules and regulations designed to protect people from the dangers of radiation exposure.
X-ray Equipment. A device used to produce X-ray images for medical, industrial, or scientific purposes.
Quality Control. The process of ensuring that products and services meet certain standards of quality.
Quality Assurance. The process of ensuring that products and services meet certain standards of quality and are consistent with customer expectations.
Regulatory Compliance. The process of adhering to laws, regulations, and standards set by government or other organizations.
Quality Standards. The criteria used to assess the quality of a product or service.
Quality Auditing. The process of evaluating a product or service to ensure it meets quality standards.
Quality Improvement. The process of making continual improvements to product or services in order to ensure they meet customer expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of an X-ray Quality Control Inspector?

The primary responsibility of an X-ray Quality Control Inspector is to ensure the quality and accuracy of x-ray images taken for diagnosis and treatment.

What are the qualifications necessary to become an X-ray Quality Control Inspector?

To become an X-ray Quality Control Inspector, individuals must have a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in the healthcare field, and certification in radiologic technology.

What type of equipment does an X-ray Quality Control Inspector use?

An X-ray Quality Control Inspector typically uses a variety of x-ray machines and imaging devices, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, to inspect images and ensure accuracy.

What skills are necessary to be an effective X-ray Quality Control Inspector?

To be an effective X-ray Quality Control Inspector, individuals must have good problem-solving and communication skills, be detail-oriented, and have the ability to multitask.

What kind of environment does an X-ray Quality Control Inspector work in?

An X-ray Quality Control Inspector typically works in a healthcare setting, such as a radiology department or hospital, and is supervised by a senior radiologist or medical physicist.