Washington State Department of Health - Office of Radiation Protection - X-Ray Section

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Inspections

The X-Ray Section evaluates film processing, machine performance, technologist qualifications, operator protection and registers all X-ray machines. As of September 2008, there are 5475 facilities using X-ray machines in Washington State. Medical X-ray facilities (physicians, clinics, hospitals and chiropractors) are inspected once every three years. Mammography facilities are inspected every year. All other facilities are inspected once every four years.

This is a general outline of the types of X-ray machines used:

1. Radiographic systems (dental, podiatry, veterinary, medical, chiropractic)

o Chest Radiography

o Panoramic Dental

o Intraoral Dental

o Cephalometric Dental

o Portable and mobile

2. Fluoroscopic systems (hospitals, radiologists)

o Heart catheterization and other Special Procedures

o C-arms in surgery

o Upper GIs and Barium Studies

o Mini-C-arms (e.g., Fluoroscan, OEC and XiScan)

3. Mammographic

4. Linear accelerators (used for cancer therapy)

5. Computer Tomography (CAT or CT)

6. Cabinet X-ray Systems (e.g., airport baggage X-ray)

7. Diffractometers (research)

8. Industrial radiography (pipe welds, circuit board analysis)

9. Cyclotrons (industry and research)

10. Bone Densitometers (X-ray absorptiometry) for detection of osteoporosis

Contact Information

For more information email Andrew H. Thatcher, or you may also reach him by telephone at 360-236-3231.

X-Ray Section
P.O. Box 47827
Olympia, WA 98504-7827

Phone (360) 236-3236
FAX (360) 236-2266

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Washington State Department of Health

Office of Radiation Protection                                      Physical Address:
P.O. Box 47827                                                            111 Israel Road SE, TC2
Olympia, Washington 98504-7827                                  Tumwater, Washington 98501
(360) 236-3300

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Last Update : 08/13/2009 05:13 PM