For Medical Diagnostic X-Ray Machines

Since 2001, New Jersey medical x-ray facilities have been continuously implementing a quality assurance (QA) program as required by New Jersey radiation protection regulations with the goal of reducing patient radiation exposure while increasing x-ray image quality.

To measure the effectiveness of this program, the Bureau of X-Ray Compliance monitors Entrance Skin Exposure (ESE) and radiographic image quality (IQ) for three commonly performed radiographic exams: AP lumbar spine, PA chest and AP foot.

The Bureau is pleased to report that these efforts have resulted in reduced radiation exposure to patients while simultaneously improving radiographic image quality.

Downloads

The Department has developed these guides and forms to assist the facility in setting up their QA Program and performing the quality control tests required to maintain high quality images and reduce patient exposure. These guides include generally accepted procedures that the facility may use to perform the required tests. The procedures in these guides are not the only way to perform the tests. Alternative test procedures may be used without Department approval. However, all procedures being used must be documented in the facility’s QA manual and meet the requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:28-22. In some cases, manufacturers’ directions may be more appropriate than the generic procedures in these guides.

These Compliance Guidance Documents are not a substitute for the Department’s regulations and compliance is not required with the procedures in this document. The procedures and/or methods described in these documents are provided for information only. Performing these procedures does not necessarily constitute Department approval or guarantee compliance.

Reprinted material is quoted with permission and sources are documented. A wide variety of references are listed. Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable information. The Department of Environmental Protection and any and all of its sub-units assume no responsibility for the validity of all the materials or for the consequences of their use.