Veterinary Radiology and X-Ray Safety Compliance Checklist

Veterinary x-ray machines are regulated by state radiation control programs. This checklist ensures radiation safety practices, equipment registration, and dosimetry monitoring comply with state requirements.

  • Industry: Veterinary
  • Frequency: Monthly
  • Estimated Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Role: Practice Manager / Radiation Safety Officer
  • Total Items: 36

Registration and Compliance

Verify x-ray machine registration is current.

  • All x-ray machines registered with state radiation control program?
  • Registration certificate current and posted?
  • Last state or independent inspection within required interval?
  • Any previous inspection deficiencies corrected?
  • State notified of any new x-ray equipment additions?
  • Digital radiography (DR/CR) equipment included in registration?

Dosimetry Badge Monitoring

Verify dosimetry monitoring program.

  • Dosimetry badges provided to all staff who may be present during radiography?
  • Badges worn at collar outside lead apron during all x-ray procedures?
  • Badges exchanged monthly or quarterly per program schedule?
  • Dosimetry reports reviewed for any elevated exposures?
  • Any doses above investigation levels investigated immediately?
  • Control badge stored away from radiation area?

Lead Apron and Shield Inspection

Inspect radiation protective equipment.

  • Lead aprons visually inspected for cracks, tears, or damage?
  • Thyroid shields available and inspected for all staff?
  • Lead gloves available and in good condition if manual restraint needed?
  • Annual fluoroscopic inspection of lead aprons documented?
  • Lead aprons stored flat or hung - not folded?
  • Aprons with detected defects replaced?

ALARA Radiation Protection

Verify ALARA principles are applied.

  • Chemical restraint or sedation used to eliminate manual restraint during x-rays?
  • Positioning aids (sandbags, foam wedges, tape) used instead of manual hold?
  • X-ray beam collimated to smallest area needed for diagnosis?
  • All non-essential staff outside room or behind lead barrier during exposure?
  • Pregnant staff reassigned from x-ray duties?
  • Retake rate monitored and technique adjusted to minimize unnecessary exposures?

Equipment Safety

Verify x-ray equipment is safe and functional.

  • X-ray room warning light functional and illuminates during exposure?
  • Exposure switch requires continuous hold - no tape or locking?
  • Collimator light and field accurate?
  • X-ray tube housing free of cracks or damage?
  • Technique charts posted for common species and body parts?
  • Anode cooling time observed between exposures?

Documentation

Maintain required radiology safety documentation.

  • Dosimetry records retained for duration of employment plus 5 years?
  • X-ray machine maintenance and service log current?
  • State inspection reports on file?
  • Staff radiation safety training records on file?
  • Lead apron inspection records on file?
  • Radiation Safety Officer designation documented in writing?

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Why Use This Veterinary Radiology and X-Ray Safety Compliance Checklist?

This veterinary radiology and x-ray safety compliance checklist helps veterinary teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for practice manager / radiation safety officer professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Veterinary Radiology and X-Ray Safety Compliance Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 6 sections: Registration and Compliance, Dosimetry Badge Monitoring, Lead Apron and Shield Inspection, ALARA Radiation Protection, Equipment Safety, Documentation. It is designed for veterinary operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Who should use this Veterinary Radiology and X-Ray Safety Compliance Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Practice Manager / Radiation Safety Officer professionals in the veterinary industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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