Simple RF Integrity Test

Prerequisites

Procedure

  1. While standing outside of the RF screen room (preferably near the operators workspace), adjust the radio receiver to pick up a local FM station. The radio antenna should be fully extended to maximize the receiver's potential. A strong signal (or station) will be a much better indication as to the integrity of the RF screen room being tested.
  2. Leave the antenna fully extended and enter the front (patient area) of the RF screen room.
  3. Make sure the rear (service are) RF screen room door is fully closed and latched, and then close and latch the front (patient area) RF screen room door. Start with the radio located above the patient table. This area is very critical, the patient's legs act as an antenna, and will pick up any stray RF signals in the screen room and redirect them back into the system via the head, body or surface coils.
  4. Hold the radio away from your body (holding the radio too close to the human body will detune the antenna) and slowly point the antenna at different areas of the room. RF signals are polarized, and the radio antenna needs to be pointing in the same direction as the RF waveform. This is why you need to rotate the antenna and point it in different directions.
  5. If an RF signal is detected, move the entire radio in different directions to help determine where the signal is coming from. As you get closer to the RF leak, the radio should play louder and/or clearer. Note: It is possible to have an RF leak that is so severe, that no matter where you place the radio, it will play at the same intensity and/or clarity.
  6. If no RF signal is detected around the patient table (be sure to check the entire table area), place the radio near the operator's window and slowly move the radio around the perimeter of the window sill. If an RF leak is detected around the window, the van/RF screen room manufacture will have to be contacted.
  7. After the window has been tested, place the radio near the front (patient area) RF screen room door, and slowly move the radio around the door frame. If a signal is detected around the door, first use a 3M scotch brite scouring pad (do not use any soap) to clean the frame where teh RF fingers or braided wire is used to seal the door. A dirty door frame will not conduct and therefore the RF screen room integrity will be compromised. The van manufacture or the RF screen room vendor can supply special cleaning materials to celan and protect the RF doors.
  8. If the front (patient area) of teh RF screen room is found to be free of RF signals, or if you detect a signal that you cannot locate, contact support as the signal could be coming from the ceiling or other ambiguous source.

Finalization

No finalization steps.