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?

• Ensure the x-ray set is switched off

• 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

• Check serial number of the x-ray tube head

• Mark down the operating potential [kV], tube current [mA] and filtration values from the tube head

• Check the stability of the x-ray mount

• Check for any damage to the x-ray tubehead

• Check the electrical and mechanical safety of the machine and grade its condition

• Check the condition of the x-ray exposure control

• In the case of an intra-oral x-ray set, check the condition and operation of the counter-balanced arm and fittings

• In the case of a panoramic/CBCT x-ray set, check the rotational movement of the x-ray tubehead and the fittings

• 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.

• Switch on the x-ray set

• Check the operation of the dead man switch and/or emergency stops

• Check the operation of the equipment warning lights and audible signals

• 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)

• Check the consistency of the radiation output

• Complete ‘Radiological Inspection’ documentation, accurately completing all relevant fields

• Photograph the x-ray equipment as a record of any concerns noted on your paperwork

• Highlight any discrepancies to you in relation to the electro-mechanical operation of the x-ray equipment

• Ensure that the exposure settings are as found on arrival

• Switch the x-ray set off

• 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.