A radiology department only works as well as its weakest piece of equipment — and in most departments, that weak point shows up first as a mechanical rattle, a calibration drift, or an unexplained image artifact. This training course from the Arab British Fellowship Training Academy is built around exactly those failure points, giving technicians and biomedical engineers a structured way to maintain, diagnose, and repair radiographic equipment before small issues become costly downtime.

The course moves from the physics of image formation through tube and detector upkeep, calibration and preventive maintenance planning, and into diagnosing electrical, mechanical, and software faults. It closes with the practical realities of emergency repair, radiation safety, regulatory compliance, and how radiographic systems now need to integrate with PACS and other imaging modalities.

What You'll Be Able to Do

• Describe the structure and key components of radiographic equipment and how they form an image.
• Maintain and recalibrate X-ray tubes and detectors to sustain image quality.
• Build and execute a preventive maintenance plan, including inspection schedules and logs.
• Diagnose electrical, mechanical, and software faults, and assess image quality issues systematically.
• Manage major failures and emergency repairs while minimising operational downtime.
• Apply radiation safety standards and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Understand how radiographic systems integrate with PACS and other imaging modalities.

Who Should Attend?

• Radiologic technologists and technicians
• Biomedical engineers responsible for servicing radiographic systems
• Medical imaging professionals managing quality control
• Service technicians in the healthcare equipment sector

Module 1: Radiographic Systems — Structure and Role in Diagnostics

• Structure and components of radiographic equipment
• Differences between traditional and modern systems
• Key components: tubes, detectors, imaging consoles, and communication systems

Module 2: The Physics of Image Formation

• Principles of X-ray production and image formation
• The role of contrast, resolution, and exposure
• Factors influencing image quality, noise, and artifacts

Module 3: Tubes, Detectors, and Their Upkeep

• X-ray tube function, lifespan factors, and cooling mechanisms
• Routine tube maintenance and preventing overheating
• Detector types, calibration, and routine maintenance

Module 4: Calibration and Performance Optimisation

• Calibration procedures and exposure parameters for different exams
• Adjusting settings to maximise image quality
• Troubleshooting poor performance and reducing noise

Module 5: Building a Preventive Maintenance Programme

• Developing a preventive maintenance plan and schedule
• Executing inspection and testing of mechanical and electrical components
• Maintaining accurate maintenance logs

Module 6: Diagnosing Electrical, Mechanical, and Software Faults

• Identifying electrical malfunctions and mechanical breakdowns
• Using diagnostic tools for system evaluation
• Resolving software and hardware integration issues

Module 7: Assessing and Improving Image Quality

• Techniques for analysing resolution, contrast, and artifacts
• Using test patterns and phantoms for quality assurance
• Adjusting technical parameters to correct common image issues

Module 8: Handling Major Failures and Emergency Repairs

• Diagnosing complex system failures and interpreting error codes
• Repairing major mechanical and electrical faults
• Managing emergency repairs while minimising downtime

Module 9: Radiation Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Radiation safety protocols and PPE requirements
• Local and international compliance standards
• Preparing for inspections and regulatory audits

Module 10: System Integration and the Path Forward

• Integrating radiographic systems with PACS
• Coordinating with CT, MRI, and ultrasound systems
• Emerging technologies, AI, and preparing for future upgrades