Missouri Qualified Experts Radiation Safety Surveys
Class A
Annual surveys: Licensed hospitals; Licensed Ambulatory Surgery Centers; any facility with the following type of equipment: CT (including dental facilities using CBCT), fluoroscopy, radiation therapy, mammography; Specifically Designated Facilities w/high risk equipment (some non-medical); or facilities with a history of radiation safety compliance problems, as determined by the MRCP. Note: Of the total 4,700 registered radiation facilities in Missouri, it is estimated that approximately 588 (13%) are Class A.
Class B
Biennial surveys: Routine x-ray, radiology, chiropractic, podiatry, CMS Certified Portable X-ray suppliers, and others designated by the MRCP. Note: Of the total 4,700 registered radiation facilities in Missouri, it is estimated that approximately 932 (20%) are Class B.
Class C
Four (4) year survey cycle: Facilities with services or equipment normally designated Class B, but providing written evidence of a very low workload: [300 or fewer exams/year (25 a month)], veterinary facilities without fluoroscopy or CT, others designated by the MRCP. Note: Of the total 4,700 registered radiation facilities in Missouri, it is estimated that approximately750 (16%) are Class C.
Class D
Six (6) year survey cycle:Dental offices without CBCT, Bone Density DEXA, non-medical facilities not Specifically Designated as Class A. Note: Of the total 4,700 registered radiation facilities in Missouri, it is estimated that approximately 2,410 (52%) are Class D.
QE Inspection Extension
The State of Missouri allows the evaluation and survey recording frequency of your radiation machines to be extended. Registered individuals or facilities can request an extension to their original re-occurring evaluation cycle after acceptable review and survey of your radiation machines, and by meeting two conditions set by the State. A complete list of the State’s conditions is attached for your viewing and selection.
The State’s conditions for QE evaluation/surveys extension includes dosimeters (radiation badges or film badges) with on-going services for all personnel potentially exposed occupationally. Dosimetry is the easiest solution to get an extension for the evaluation and survey recording frequency. In addition to extending the frequency of QE evaluation/surveys, on-going dosimetry services through R. M. Wester & Associates, Inc. can lower the cost of your next QE evaluation and survey recording.
The Many Purposes of Dosimetry
Dosimetry is a regulatory requirement in most cases with the use of the radiation generating devices and sources. While the exposure to radiation may be measured, and appear low, even below regulatory limits, the real basis for the use of dosimetry is to allay fears from the perception that the exposure was more than that incurred, thus leading to unknown levels of exposure, causing concerns for most people in that situation. Dosimetry also provides information when changes in operating practices are needed. It also may identify the possibility that personnel may have done something contrary to the procedures without due consideration of the potential exposure which may have occurred. In any case, the use of dosimetry is a valuable tool which identifies the actual and real exposure incurred for both the short and long-term needs.
Radiation Dosimetry is a proven tool used for State and Federal regulatory compliance and personnel, patient, and public safety, and as, proof of limited exposures even at background levels. Dosimetry exposure records have proven to be the difference in the outcome of court cases, in which harm and health issues were charged against employers for exposure to radiation. However, the employer could show our dosimetry records, proving that the claim was not substantiated by recorded reality.
Please contact us for more specific information for your QE and dosimetry needs.