Offering Diagnostic Imaging Services
If you are opening a facility that has an x-ray machine and/or Class 3b or 4 laser, your equipment must be inspected and certified before being used.
You are required to register the equipment with the ABVMA by completing the Application for the Registration of X-Ray Equipment, and must have it inspected by an Authorized Radiation Protection Inspection Agency (ARPIA). The Application for the Registration of X-Ray Equipment will be available to you once you have submitted Part One of the New Practice Application. You will receive log in information to access the veterinary practice entity portal, where the electronic application is located. Once the ABVMA office has received the Application for the Registration of X-Ray Equipment and the radiation inspection report, the office will mail the practice a Certificate of Registration to be displayed in your practice.
Dosimetry
As per the ABVMA Radiation Protection Program, all radiation workers will have dosimetry badges and be monitored as required by the Government of Alberta OHS Safety Code, Part 20, 291.5(1). All radiation workers employed at multiple locations must be provided a dosimetry badge by their employer for each work location.
To order dosimetry badges, please contact an Authorized Dosimetry Service Provider.
Personal Exposure Monitoring for Ionizing Radiation (Dosimetry)
For more information, please review the ABVMA Radiation Protection and Laser Safety Program Manual revised 2022.
ABVMA has produced a video to ensure that anyone assisting with patients for x-rays is educated on the risks and importance of wearing personal protective equipment.
General Radiation Safety Video: for training the entire veterinary practice team
Applicable Legislation
- Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 61
- Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 20
- Guide for Alberta's Radiation Protection Program
- Radiation Protection in Dentistry Safety Code 30
- Radiation Protection in Veterinary Medicine Safety Code 28
- Safety Procedures for the Installation, Use and Control of X-ray equipment in Large Medical Radiological Facilities Safety Code 35
If you have questions or require further assistance, please email pips@abvma.ca.