X-Ray Inspection
X-Ray Inspection Services
Regulation 11(1) of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 (IRR(NI)17)states that x-ray equipment "be properly maintained so that it remains fit for the purpose for which it was intended" and "be adequately tested and examined at appropriate intervals.
How often do I need my X-Ray equipment inspecting?
The majority of manufacturers recommend you have an annual electro-mechanical inspection.
For radiological checks, a test should be undertaken at least once every three years for intra-oral, panoramic and panoramic/cephalometric x-ray sets; annually for CBCT and hand-held dental x-ray sets. You may find, however, that it is more convenient for you to have us carry out this type of testing along with the annual electro-mechanical test.
How long will an X-Ray inspection take?
Our inspection usually takes 45 minutes for an intra-oral X-Ray set and an hour and a half for a panoramic X-Ray set.
How much do you charge?
Electrical Mechanical Check for intra-oral, OPG (without Ceph) and handheld x-ray equipment, the price of an inspection is £123+vat for members and £141+vat for non-members.
Routine Test for intra-oral, OPG (without Ceph) and handheld x-ray equipment, the price of an inspection is £158+vat for members and £181+vat for non-members.
What will our engineer actually do during the inspection?
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Ensure the x-ray set is switched off
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Review the paperwork from the previous visit(s) and make a note of any concerns noted which have not been addressed. If they have not been addressed, ensure they are noted and brought to your attention before the test continues
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Check serial number of the x-ray tube head
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Mark down the operating potential [kV], tube current [mA] and filtration values from the tube head
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Check the stability of the x-ray mount
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Check for any damage to the x-ray tubehead
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Check the electrical and mechanical safety of the machine and grade its condition
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Check the condition of the x-ray exposure control
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In the case of an intra-oral x-ray set, check the condition and operation of the counter-balanced arm and fittings
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In the case of a panoramic/CBCT x-ray set, check the rotational movement of the x-ray tubehead and the fittings
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In the case of a cephalometric x-ray set, check the scanning motion of the image receptor with the x-ray tubehead and, where applicable, the secondary collimator.
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Switch on the x-ray set
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Check the operation of the dead man switch and/or emergency stops
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Check the operation of the equipment warning lights and audible signals
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For the routine (three-yearly) performance testing, complete the required number of exposures and record the measurement results (patient entrance dose [mGy], kV, exposure time, filtration)
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Check the consistency of the radiation output
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Complete ‘Radiological Inspection’ documentation, accurately completing all relevant fields
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Photograph the x-ray equipment as a record of any concerns noted on your paperwork
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Highlight any discrepancies to you in relation to the electro-mechanical operation of the x-ray equipment
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Ensure that the exposure settings are as found on arrival
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Switch the x-ray set off
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If you have membership and/or have Radiation Protection Consultancy contract, the results will be sent to DD's RPA/MPE for review and, for the routine performance testing, a brief formal report will then be issued to the practice.