July 2002

Features

	Service Solutions: Imaging Phantoms
	by Lisa Fratt
	Despite their name, imaging phantoms aren’t the least bit scary. In designs that range from utilitarian boxes to simulated body parts, including full-body phantom patients, phantoms assess the performance of imaging systems, set baseline standards, calibrate detectors, even train X-ray technologists and clinical staff. Points to consider when your phantoms “give up the ghost” and need to be replaced.


	Safety in the Pediatric Unit
	by David Rizzo
	Patient safety is the hospital mantra, especially in the pediatric unit where staff aspire to keep their littlest patients comfortable and safe. Despite everyone’s best efforts, however, infants still manage to tumble out of their hospital cribs. In response to concerns from regulatory agencies, standard committees and commercial interests alike, a new crib, with rail sensors, attempts to keep children nestled all snug in their beds.


	Tackling Power Quality Issues
	by Charles St. Martin
	Forget that advice about not sweating the small stuff: It’s that small stuff that can trip up all the rest of the stuff — big time! Just ask any biomed or clinical engineer dealing with the electricity coursing through the hospital. Making sure the power is on or off is the easy part; monitoring voltage surges and sags is a whole ‘nother animal. Troubleshooting power quality issues is worth the trouble.