Diagnostic X–rays
X-rays are ionising radiation. They are used for diagnostic purposes in hospitals and clinics for dental, medical, veterinary and chiropractic applications. There are a variety of diagnostic X-ray apparatus and modalities including:
- bone densitometry
- chiropractic plain radiography
- dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)
- dental orthopantomogram (OPG)
- dental plain radiography
- medical computed tomography (CT)
- medical plain radiography
- veterinary plain radiography.
Under the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982, all ionising radiation apparatus must be registered and operated by licensed persons. The Radiation Protection and Control (Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2015 govern the sale, installation and use of ionising radiation apparatus. It is the responsibility of owners of X-ray apparatus to ensure their apparatus are registered, operated by licensed persons and that conditions applied to registrations and licences are adhered to.
Currently apparatus and installations used for plain dental, medical, veterinary and chiropractic purposes are required to be compliance tested prior to registration by persons accredited by the EPA under the third party certification program.
- Guideline – Hand-held dental X-ray apparatus
- Guideline – Third party certification program
- Information sheet – Licence prerequisites for operators of diagnostic X-ray apparatus (being updated)
- Information sheet – Personal radiation monitoring devices
Further information is available at the following links: