general number: (804) 864-8170
fax number: (804) 864-8175
Email: Stan.Orchel@vdh.virginia.gov
"To protect the public and occupational workers against unnecessary radiation exposure from X-ray producing machines."
The X-Ray Registration, Inspection and Certification Program exists to assure quality radiographs with a safe x-ray facility environment for both the people of Virginia and the operators of the equipment. The X-ray Program registers approximately 17,000 radiation-producing machines (such as x-ray machines); sets performance criteria for them; and authorizes non-department qualified private inspectors to perform the evaluations and non-department service companies to install and repair the machines. We also maintain a Private Inspectors list.
Machines must be inspected within the established frequency of either 1 or 3 years, based on the type of use. Any x-ray machine that is determined to be unsafe for human use is restricted from use until the x-ray machine is repaired by a service company, and re-inspected by a Virginia Radiological Health Specialist , or permanently removed from service. These regional radiological health specialists audit and monitor private sector inspections and perform compliance inspections of x-ray facilities.
The X-ray Protection Program works very closely with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is responsible for regulating the manufacture and installation/assembly of X-ray diagnostic machines. States regulate the use of X-ray machines in their respective state. The more prominent joint programs are related to mammography (MQSA) and joint surveys for evaluating patient exposures (NEXT).
Ocassionally Bulletins are published to inform X-ray registrants of regulatory concerns or guidance for new types of equipment not addressed specfically in the regulations. The following Bulletins have been released:
Radiological Health Program | James Madison Building, 7th Floor | 109 Governor Street, Room 730 | Richmond, VA 23219 | Telephone (804) 864-8150 | Fax: (804) 864-8155