General Requirements for Diagnostic X-ray Equipment

PURPOSE: This rule establishes general requirements for diagnostic X-ray equipment. (1) The X-ray tube housing shall be of the protective diagnostic type. (2) Total filtration shall be as follows: (A) For fluoroscopic and radiographic equipment operating at seventy (70) kilovolts peak (kvp) and below, the total filtration permanently in the useful beam, for routine use, shall be equivalent to at least 1.5 millimeters (mm) of aluminum. This condition shall be considered fulfilled if the half value layer (HVL) of the useful beam is 1.5 mm of aluminum or greater. (B) For fluoroscopic and radiographic equipment capable of operating above seventy (70) kvp, the total filtration permanently in the useful beam shall be equivalent to at least 2.5 mm of aluminum. This condition shall be considered fulfilled if the HVL of the useful beam is 2.5 mm of aluminum or greater. (3) The exposure switch for routine diagnostic X-rays or routine diagnostic fluoroscopy shall be of the dead-man type or time limiting switch acceptable to the department. (4) Diaphragms or cones shall be used for collimating the useful beam and shall provide the same degree of protection as the tube housing. AUTHORITY: section 192.420, RSMo 1986.* This rule was previously filed as 13 CSR 5090.120. Original rule file Nov. 9, 1964, effective Dec. 9, 1964. *Original authority: 192.420, RSMo 1963.