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Potential Affect of Water on an X-ray Operation

X-ray Flood Issues Q&A

In response to the recent flooding in Washington State, some X-ray facilities may have questions concerning operation of X-ray equipment that may have been affected by water in the building near the X-ray equipment, processor, and film storage areas.  Below are questions that may come up concerning use of x-ray equipment and film at your facility and recommendations.

Q.  Is it safe to use an X-ray machine or film processor after it gets wet?

A.  Any water near or on an electrical device may pose a shock hazard.  Important safety issues to remember are:

• Do not operate equipment that is or has been in standing water until it has been completely dried.

• Be aware that high humidity conditions may affect electrical equipment in the long term with corrosion or component failures.

• Contact your service representative to have your machine cleaned and checked.

Q.  Water got into the darkroom. What could it affect?

A.  If any unexposed film got wet, do not use it.  Film is degraded by humidity or water.  Check for "surface tackiness" on the film before using it.  If film is "tacky," discard it.  Also:

• Film processor fluids may have been contaminated (both in replenishment tanks and the processor itself)  Contact your processor service representative for assistance.

• Processor drains (both floor and wall drains) may have gotten clogged with debris from the flood water.  Clear debris and flush drains to ensure that they are open and working properly.

 Q.  My film doesn't feel "tacky," how can I check to see if it has been damaged?

A.  A quick test to see if your film and/or your developing chemistry was affected during the recent flooding is to develop one sheet of unexposed film.  The film should come out clear (no spots, black lines, or darkness of any kind).  If your sheet of developed film is not clear, develop a second sheet.  If the second sheet is also not clear there could be a problem with either your film, your developing chemistry, or both.  Do not use your film or chemistry for clinical imaging until you find and correct the problem(s).

 Q.  What is my responsibility to salvage X-ray film records?

A.  You should contact your insurance provider and records retention personnel to discuss salvaging of damaged film records.  If you are unable to salvage film, we suggest that you do your best to document those records that were damaged and unable to be salvaged.

Contact Information

For more information contact Kelly Cameron, Health Physicist or call 1-800-299-9729

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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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