Test packs

UKHSA has used postal test packs to assess intra-oral and panoramic X-ray sets for many years and there are obvious benefits with this service:

  • The test exposures are quick and simple to carry out
  • The engineer can carry out the test as soon as work on the X-ray set is complete
  • Test packs can be used whatever imaging system the dental practice uses (film or digital)
  • The test pack combines the Critical Examination (CE) (your responsibility) and the Acceptance Test (AT) (the dentist's responsibility) ensuring both you and your customer have completed the necessary tests
  • Engineers are also provided with a test object to perform an instant check to indicate that the equipment is safe to be put into clinical use straight away
  • Two copies of the Critical Examination and Acceptance Test Report are issued:
    • one for your records as evidence that a CE was carried out
    • one for you to pass on to your customer so they have evidence that an AT was carried out
  • Reports are normally issued within 20 working days of receiving the test pack back from you
  • On special request we can provide a faster turn around (eg for a practice inspection)
  • Test packs can also be used to carry out routine three yearly tests

Intra-oral Test Pack (including hand held units)

The UKHSA intra-oral test pack contains several sealed packets which are exposed to the main X-ray beam at a series of pre-determined exposure settings. Full instructions are included. The image shows how a packet should be set up for the exposure.

A simple questionnaire is included which the engineer completes. Once a test pack has been exposed it is returned to UKHSA, along with the completed questionnaire, for evaluation. A processing check film is also included with the packs to assess the film processing equipment (if any). Following assessment of the test pack, a measurement report, including recommended exposure settings, is issued.

Please note that, for hand-held X-ray sets, should you wish to perform the Acceptance Testing on behalf on the end user prior to sale, we may require the X-ray unit to be sent to Leeds for testing. Routine tests, however, can normally be done at the practice using the postal packs.

Panoramic Test Pack

The panoramic test pack contains two sealed packets which are exposed to the X-ray set at pre-determined exposure settings. Each packet is fixed to the receiving slot in front of the film cassette or digital receptor. A complete panoramic exposure is taken for each packet, with a standard film in place in the cassette. The films are developed as normal and returned with the test pack, or for digital radiography, the images are printed or saved electronically and sent to UKHSA.

A processing check film is also included with the pack to assess the film processing equipment (if any); this is processed as if it was a normal film and returned with the pack.

A simple questionnaire is included which the engineer completes. Once a test pack has been completed it is returned to UKHSA for evaluation.

Following assessment of the test pack, a measurement report, including recommended exposure settings, is issued.

Cephalometric and Cone Beam Computed Tomography units

A visit is required for the testing of cephalometric and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) units. For cephalometric sets, your company places the order and then UKHSA contacts the practice to arrange a mutually convenient time. For CBCT sets, an engineer should be present for the testing, and it is therefore simpler for you to arrange a mutually convenient time between your engineer, the dental practice and UKHSA. Following the visit a measurement report, including recommended exposure settings, is issued.