Step

Wedge Procedure
Midwest Dental P/N: 647-0250

X-ray images should be taken on a

regular basis using a high purity
aluminum step wedge.
Step Wedge will have a stair like
configuraIon that creates a variaIon
in grey scale.
In this picture there are 5 steps: 2.5,
3.5, 4.75, 7 & 9 mm

The below steps outline the procedure

• Place the step wedge with the steps facing up over a film or sensor and posiIon the x-ray field
over the step wedge.
• Take an exposure (and if using film, develop the film as usual).
• Record the Date, Operatory, X-ray machine, kVp, mA, Exposure Ime, Source-to-Image Distance,
and Developing Ime. This informaIon will be necessary to conduct this test in the future.
• Save this image as the reference image for that x-ray machine as proof of tesIng

Once a month or any Ime that you suspect that there may be a problem with your x-ray system,
create another image in the same manner as described above. Compare this image to the reference
image.

If you noIce a change in density of "2 steps", you are alerted that there is a problem and correcIve
acIons should be taken before your radiographs deteriorate in diagnosIc quality.

Below is a sample image obtained using a Step Wedge (actual number of steps may vary)
You are looking for a full range of grey to be visible – one end of the X-ray should be light grey and the
opposite end should be almost black.