The central plane of the image layer determined experimentally in various rotational panoramic x-ray machines.

The location of the image layer with respect to how a patient is positioned in a rotational panoramic machine is very critical. At present, no simple method exists for routine testing of panoramic machines to verify that the image layer is where the manufacturer intended it to be. The purpose of this experiment was to locate the central plane of the image layer with respect to a reference point on various machines currently on the market. The data obtained from this study can be used for further evaluations of the consistency in the location of the image layer, first with the existing device and later with a test device that would be adaptable to these machines and serve as a quality-control device in assuring that the machines are functioning properly.