X-Ray Section

General Information

Contact Information
External Links
Typical Patient Exposures
X-Ray Facts to Remember

Technical and Professional Information

X-Ray Technicians
- Washington State Department of Health - X-Ray Technicians Program
  - Health Professions Quality Assurance (HPQA)
  - Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) Contact Information

The X-Ray Section of the Office of Radiation Protection is the largest section in the Office, with inspectors in Olympia, Bellevue, Spokane, and Yakima. The Section conducts about 1800 inspections a year and finds violations of regulations in approximately 25% of the facilities. Facilities are required to correct these violations, although no fines or penalties are assessed.

The main emphasis is on patient exposure and operator protection. This Section evaluates film processing, machine performance, technologist qualifications, and image quality.

X-Ray Facts to Remember

X-rays do not bounce around in a room after an exposure; there is some scatter radiation during the exposure, of course, but since X-rays travel at the speed of light (just as light does!), there is no lingering radiation after the X-ray exam.
X-rays do not "accumulate" in one's body after X-ray exams are done. However, it is true that the EFFECTS of exposure can accumulate.
X-rays do not make you radioactive after the exposure.
X-rays are like gamma rays. Neither should be compared to sunshine, microwaves, or other non-ionizing types of radiation. Microwaves, radiowaves, cellular phone frequencies, or 60 Hz electrical power line magnetic fields are NOT the same as X-rays and other forms of ionizing radiation.

External Links

American College of Radiology - Patient Info

Computed Tomography (CT)

Radiology Information

Radiation Emitting-Products

Understanding Radiation - Overview

Washington State Dental Association

Contact Information

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

Phone (360) 236-3236

In-State Toll Free 1-800-299-9729

FAX (360) 236-2266

Olympia X-Ray Staff:

Andrew H. Thatcher, Manager	360-236-3231	Andrew.Thatcher@doh.wa.gov
Sharon Grundhoffer, Admin Assistant	360-236-3230	Sharon.Grundhoffer@doh.wa.gov
Sarah Clark, Inspector	360-236-3234	Sarah.Clark@doh.wa.gov
Alton Jenkins, Inspector	360-236-3237	Alton.Jenkins@doh.wa.gov
Scott Mantyla, Inspector	360-236-3232	Scott.Mantyla@doh.wa.gov
Shirley Maxim, Inspector	360-236-3233	Shirley.Maxim@doh.wa.gov
Richard Montemarano, Inspector	360-236-3238	Richard.Montemarano@doh.wa.go v

Bellevue X-Ray Staff:

Mike Odlaug, Inspector

425-649-1348

Mike.Odlaug@doh.wa.gov

Spokane X-Ray Staff:

Kelly Cameron, Inspector

509-329-2158

Kelly.Cameron@doh.wa.gov

Yakima X-Ray Staff:

Bob Clark, Inspector

509-727-1446

Bob.Clark@doh.wa.gov