Okla. Admin. Code § 310:281-11-6

Current through Vol. 42, No. 6, December 2, 2024

Section 310:281-11-6 - Additional requirements for use of diagnostic x-ray systems in the healing arts of medicine, podiatry, and chiropractic

(a)Viewing system. Windows, mirrors, closed circuit television, or an equivalent system shall be provided to permit operator to continuously observe the patient during irradiation.

(b)Control panel. Each x-ray control shall be located in such a way as to meet the following requirements:

(1) Stationary diagnostic x-ray systems are required to have the x-ray control permanently mounted in a permanent control booth or station so that the operator is required to remain in that area during the entire exposure and not be exposed to greater than 2 millirems in any 1 hour. See section 310:281-11-20 for measurement protocol to determine compliance.

(2) Mobile and portable diagnostic x-ray systems shall meet the requirements of a stationary diagnostic x-ray system when used for greater than 7 consecutive working days in the same location.

(3) For mobile and portable diagnostic x-ray systems, single event exposures and configuration, the x-ray control shall be positioned so that the operator is at least 6 feet away from the tube housing and the patient during an exposure and is not exposed to greater than 2 millirems in any 1 hour.

(4) The operator shall be able to maintain visual and aural contact with the patient.

(c)Exposure of individuals other than the patient. Except for other patients who cannot be moved out of the area where the diagnostic x-ray system is to be used (e.g., ICU or trauma units) or individuals specified in 310:281-11-6(e), only the staff and ancillary personnel required for the medical procedure or training shall be in the area where the diagnostic x-ray system is to be used during the radiation exposure.

(1) All individuals, other than the patient being examined, shall be positioned such that no part of the body will be struck by the useful (direct) beam unless protected by an apron, gloves, or other shielding having 0.5 millimeter lead equivalent material.

(2) Staff and ancillary personnel shall be protected from primary scatter (once-scattered) radiation by protective aprons or whole body protective barriers of not less than 0.25 millimeter lead equivalent material.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of 310:281-11-6(c)(1), other patients who are in line with the primary beam and who cannot be removed from the room, shall be protected by whole body protective barriers of 0.25 millimeter lead equivalent material or so positioned that the nearest portion of their body is at least 6 feet from both the tube head and the nearest edge of the image receptor.

(d)Gonadal shielding. For patients who have not passed the reproductive age, gonadal shielding shall be used when the gonads are in or within 5 centimeters of the useful beam. This requirement does not apply if the shielding will interfere with the diagnostic procedure. Gonadal shielding shall be of at least 0.5 millimeter lead equivalent material.

(e)Holding of patient or film. When a patient or film must be provided with auxiliary support during a radiation exposure:

(1) Mechanical holding devices shall be used when the technique permits. In accordance with310:281-11-4(b) the written safety procedures shall list circumstances in which mechanical holding devices cannot be routinely utilized.

(2) The requirements for selecting an individual who holds or supports the patient, and the procedure which the holder follows, shall be included in the written safety procedures, as required by 310:281-11-4(b).

(3) In accordance with 310:281-11-6(c), the human holder shall be protected.

(4) An individual cannot be used routinely to hold film or patients.

Okla. Admin. Code § 310:281-11-6

Added at 8 Ok Reg 3503, eff 8-15-91 (emergency); Added at 9 Ok Reg 1643, eff 5-29-92; Amended at 21 Ok Reg 1037, eff 5-13-04

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 38, Issue 24, September 1, 2021, eff. 9/11/2021