The very first step is deciding what type of equipment your practice needs and selecting a room that is appropriate for that equipment.
- Chiropractors do not usually require Radiographic Tables, only a wall bucky, tube stand, and generator and therefore do not require as large of a room as other practices. The very smallest room that can be used is approximately 10’ X 11’.
- Pediatricians and Orthopedics typically require the use of a Radiographic Table in addition to the usual wall bucky, tube stand, and generator. It’s recommended to have at least a 14’x16’ room for this equipment.
Once the equipment type is selected and a room has been assigned, the clinic or hospital must get a preliminary equipment layout sketch. Anode Imaging has experienced personnel on staff that can help advise you on what the best room design would be depending on what your practice requires and how your work-flow will be set-up. Consulting with industry professionals from the beginning will save valuable time and money throughout the project.
Whether you are remodeling an existing suite, or doing a complete tenant improvement build-out you will need to use the equipment layout sketch created by Anode Imaging for two purposes;
- To give the medical physicist a floor plan of your intended radiology room for them to advise on what lead shielding will be needed at what locations.
- To advise the contractors on the room’s wall, electrical, low voltage, etc. layout.
- Often times architects/engineers/and electricians will suggest installing large and expensive electrical transformers, or overly expensive conduit chases. Since we are the equipment experts, we typically have work-arounds. This is one more reason to consult with Anode Imaging from the beginning of the project.
- Before construction of the room can begin you must hire a medical physicist to provide a written description of what lead shielding is required on each wall, door, and window. Once this report is in your possession, it can be given to the contractor and priced out. Anode Imaging can help you with this process if you don’t already work with a state registered Physicist.
- Once the room is completed your medical imaging equipment can be installed by Anode Imaging.
- Sometime before you begin taking X-rays, you must register your new equipment with your State Health Department. This information can be found easily by searching by state, or try this website https://www.asrt.org/main/standards-and-regulations/legislation-regulations-and-advocacy/radiation-control-program-offices
- An FDA Form 2579 will be completed and sent into your state department as well and the FDA by Anode Imaging after the Radiation Room install is complete. A copy also gets delivered to you for your records.
- After these steps have been taken you are ready to beginning using your new Radiation Room!