Final answer:
Imaging plates in radiology should be cleaned weekly to ensure the quality and longevity of the plates. This is vital to prevent image quality degradation due to dust and debris.
Step-by-step explanation:
Imaging plates, also known as photostimulable phosphor plates (PSPs), in radiology are essential for capturing diagnostic images. To maintain the quality of the images produced and ensure the longevity of the plates, it is recommended that they be cleaned weekly to remove any accumulated dust, dirt, or artifacts that could compromise image quality. Cleaning should be done following the manufacturer's instructions using approved cleaning materials, care should be taken not to scratch or damage the sensitive surface of the imaging plates.