[ RadSafe ] X-Ray On Lights

[Vernig, Peter G.]

If I might interrupt the debate about the toxicity and morality of DU and
the educational backgrounds of the participants I have a real question that
somebody on Radsafe might just help me with.

All of our fixed x-ray rooms including the cath labs have lights that say
X-Ray on and light up either when the rotor of a radiographic unit is
spinning [for those of you not familiar with medical diagnostic x-rays the
anode rotates to dissipate heat generated when the electrons  strike the
anode and usually the rotor spins in anticipation of the actual burst of
electrons.] or when fluoro units are producing x-rays.

It seems that most if not all of the other VAs have a variation on this.
Wording may differ, one facility the light just goes on during x-rays so
that unless you stare at it, you'd miss it for radiographic units.

My question is does anybody know the origin of this.  A reg, rule, or
standard or best practice?

The reason I ask is technology is expanding and we have a DEXA [dual energy
x-ray analyzer] for bone densitometry which produces say 10% of less of the
x-rays that a normal radiographic unit puts out and we are getting a hybrid
SPECT/CT unit.  The DEXA doesn't have such a light and we are tentatively
planning on putting a light on the SPECT/CT.  But if there is a standard or
recommendation or some such it would be nice to know just what it says.  BTW
SPECT = single photon emission computed tomography, a type of gamma camera.

Please don't bother with a check state regs or probably an NCRP.  I have
looked at both, but if anybody knows I would be very grateful for the
information.

Sorry to interrupt the political debate.

Any opinions in this e-mail are solely those of the author, and are not
represented as those of the VA Eastern Colorado HCS, the Dept. of Veterans
Affairs, or the US Government.

Peter G. Vernig, Radiation Safety Officer, MS-115, VA Eastern Colorado
Health Care System, 1055 Clermont St. Denver, CO 80220,
peter.vernig at med.va.gov, Phone= 303.399.8020 x2447; Fax = 303.393.5026,
alternate fax, 303.393.5248

"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable, if anything is found to be excellent or praiseworthy, let your
mind dwell on these things."

Paul of Tarsus