The room layout will somewhat depend on the make and model of x-ray equipment that is specified.  First let us examine some considerations in the purchase of new versus used x-ray equipment.

COMMENTS ON NEW VERSUS USED X-RAY EQUIPMENT

New machines will generally provide you with superior diagnostic information, limiting the number of retakes and the likelihood of overlooking minimal pathologies.

New machines generally have a life span of 15 or more years.  Used machines may have a life span of 5 years or less.  In addition many used machines have obsolete parts critical to their operation that may no longer be available.  Such is the case with certain parts from Bennett, Raytheon, Fischer, Universal, and Transworld to name a few.

New equipment has a more professional appearance.  Many of your patients do not understand radiology and are fearful of radiation.  If you put them in front of an old, loud unattractive used x-ray they may feel uneasy about your services and may not be a good referral for you.  Old and outdated equipment cannot have a positive reflection on your practice.

Most new equipment offers a 5 year warranty to protect your investment.  Used equipment offers little long range protection.

ROOM DESIGN

In general, most Chiropractic systems (the ones we sell from Summit Industries) can be installed in a room as small as 9' from the Primary wall to the Shield wall.  The control booth would be outside of the 9' dimension.  A minimum of 5' in width would work, but a better room would be 10' x 6' for a minimum.  Allow 30" for a control booth width, but a control booth can be as tight as 24", depending on the equipment.  We have layout drawings available if you would like some suggestions as to how best to utilize your space.  There are ceiling height and electrical considerations as well.  Please do not plan on carpeting under your x-ray tubestand.  If you insist on carpet in the x-ray room, please consider stopping it before the x-ray floor track.  It if very difficult to install a floor track with all of the weight of the tubestand over carpeting, and impossible to maintain any accurate alignment.  Generally you will need a Health Physicist to determine where and how much lead shielding you may require.   Most States require that a formal plan and calculations be submitted before x-ray equipment can be installed.  Remember that if you design a room that is at the rock minimum and your contractor installs a wall that encroaches into that room, you have a severe installation problem.  Allow yourself several inches of extra room so that you do not have any unpleasant surprises.  

A comfortable darkroom would be 4' x 6'.  This is a small darkroom, so consider the door swing.  In small darkroom rooms it is often better to swing the door out rather than in.  In addition, there are plumbing, processor, venting and electrical considerations.  Contact us with a specific plan and we would be happy to assist you. 

As digital imaging becomes ever more popular the darkrooms will be replaced with storage or other uses.

Last Updated 05/23/08

Copyright 1999