Many hospitals and health care offices that are new in the industry are unaware of the installation procedures involved with X-ray machines. Now that you’ve purchased the equipment, there are a ton of factors you should consider before you can move it into the building.
The list includes reviewing the local and state regulations, communicating with a provider, and getting a project manager. Here, you can take a closer look at the X-ray equipment installation process. More precisely, how to prepare for it so that you can quickly be available to patients.
Get In Touch With Your State’s Health Department
Before you can build an X-ray room at your healthcare facility, you need to double-check with the radiation authority in your state. The room you are going to build will depend on the type of X-ray equipment you want to use.
That means, you will need to provide details about:
- The type of machine you plan to use, such as fixed, mobile, and portable X-ray machines
- Estimated workload
- The purpose of the machine
- The type of facility you plan to install it in
- The location of the operator’s barriers in the X-ray room
- Adjacent rooms or areas
Follow the Protocols for Constructing X-Ray Rooms
Each state has its own protocols for building X-ray rooms and medical settings. Before you can focus on X-ray equipment installation, construct your room, based on the regulations in your state or local area. Here is a practical example of some of these factors. A general radiology room should be around 16 m2 in size.
It should have a spacious layout so that it won’t affect the staff’s workflow. To maximize the moving space, medical offices usually install X-ray machines in the corner of the room. Your local and state regulations will point out the right wall thickness.
The doors of the room should be wide and sliding for easy movement. If the lab is constructed on the top floor, then the flooring should handle the heavy load. To decrease the penetration of radiation to the surrounding areas, most healthcare facilities avoid installing windows in a room like this.
Get a Project Manager
It’s a good idea to have a project manager handling the responsibilities of preparing the room for X-ray equipment installation. They can take care of the moving parts, communicate with the team members, and ensure the process goes smoothly.
Talk to Your Provider
Communication is critical. It is by far the most important aspect of the entire X-ray equipment installation process. Your X-ray equipment supplier can give you all the assistance and information you need. The provider can help you wrap up without delays or unwanted incidents. They can offer assistance with inspection, consultation, planning, etc.
At Great Lakes Imaging, we can set you on the right track. Whether you are looking for X-ray equipment for sale or you need help installing your recent purchase, our personnel can help you navigate the different stages of installation.
Conclusion
Installing medical equipment requires information, guidance, and support. You need to make sure all the requirements and local regulations are met so that you can offer patients the care and services they need.