What is required for AEC cassettes to function properly?

For AEC (Automatic Exposure Control) cassettes to function properly, calibration is essential. Calibration ensures that the AEC system accurately measures the amount of radiation received and adjusts the exposure time accordingly. If the AEC is not calibrated correctly, it may either overexpose or underexpose the images, leading to potential diagnostic errors. Calibration helps to maintain the precision of the equipment and ensures that the images produced meet the necessary quality standards for further analysis and diagnosis.

The other mentioned practices, while important for the overall maintenance of radiological equipment, do not specifically address the functionality of AEC cassettes in the same way. Regular cleaning, inspections, and replacements are all part of the maintenance protocol but do not directly influence how the AEC system controls exposure based on the calibration settings.