Hospital X-ray Room Design, Layout, Types, Etc.

Designing a hospital X-ray room is crucial for ensuring both patient care and staff safety. A well-planned xray room design helps avoid problems like inefficiencies and unnecessary radiation exposure.

To do this, hospitals must follow specific x ray room design guidelines that cover how the room should be built, arranged, and equipped.

Different types of X-ray rooms serve various purposes, such as general radiography or specialized imaging. Each type requires a unique design of x ray room, tailored to the equipment and needs of the facility.

A clear x ray room layout plan is essential to ensure that everything, from the X-ray machine to the control area, is in the right place for safe and efficient operation.

Today, let us guide you through creating a good X-ray room with careful planning and following guidelines. Ensure the space is safe, effective, and meets the specific needs of the hospital.

How to design a Hospital X-ray room

To design a hospital X-ray room effectively, you need to follow specific guidelines for how to build an x ray room. Start by understanding the x ray room construction guidelines that outline the requirements for walls, shielding, and layout. X ray room design requirements ensure that the room is safe, efficient, and suited for high-quality imaging.

Proper x ray room construction involves choosing the right materials and setting up the space to meet safety and operational standards.

Here’s how you can adhere to these guidelines, and create a room that protects patients and staff, all while supporting accurate and effective imaging:

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance for X-ray rooms ensures safety and efficiency through adherence to specific standards and guidelines. The DOH requirements for X-ray rooms typically include maintaining a minimum wall thickness of 1/16 inch of lead for shielding, ensuring room dimensions of at least 10×12 feet to accommodate equipment and staff, and installing lead-lined doors.

X-ray room guidelines also specify that ventilation systems must maintain a temperature between 68-72°F and ensure proper signage to indicate radiation areas. Compliance involves obtaining the necessary licenses, undergoing regular inspections, and keeping detailed records of procedures and equipment maintenance.

Adhere to national guidelines and regulations set forth by radiological control authorities. (e.g., In India, Baba Atomic Research Centre issues relevant norms)

Room Layout and Size

The X-ray room layout AERB guidelines specify that these dimensions help in maintaining adequate space for safe operation and compliance with radiation protection standards.

A dedicated room for each X-ray machine is recommended.
A rectangular room with a minimum X-ray room dimensions of 25 square meters is ideal.
No single wall dimension should be less than 4 meters.

Walls and Shielding

Walls should be at least 229 mm thick with plaster on both sides to ensure adequate protection.
The ideal primary wall is constructed with at least 250 mm of solid baked clay bricks to provide effective X-ray room shielding.
For plain radiography, 150 mm thick mortar or concrete walls are sufficient.
Hollow bricks require an additional 6 mm layer of barium plaster for protection up to 2200 mm from the floor level to meet X-ray room wall requirements.

Doors

A single x-ray room door size with a minimum width of 1524 mm to accommodate patient trolleys.
Door height should be at least 1500 mm and 2000 mm long.
Door and frame require a 2 mm thick lead lining to prevent radiation leakage.
Doors should overlap by a minimum of 100 mm on each side when closed.
Include handles and locks on both sides of the door for controlled access and to ensure the door remains closed during X-ray exposure.

X-ray room flooring requirements

X-ray room flooring requirements include using slip-resistant materials like tiles, marble, or granite to prevent accidents. The flooring must be durable and easy to clean, maintaining safety and hygiene standards crucial for effective operation and patient care.

Windows and Lighting

Windows are not permitted in X-ray rooms to prevent radiation leakage and ensure proper X-ray room HVAC design.
X-ray room lighting requirements call for standard LED lighting (60-80 lumen) with sufficient lumen is adequate. Avoid excessive illumination.

Control Console

The X-ray room control area should be shielded and positioned outside the primary beam path to protect staff from radiation and ensure safety.
The X-ray room electrical layout must include proper wiring and grounding for the control console to prevent electrical hazards and ensure reliable operation.
A lead-lined window or equivalent shielding should be incorporated into the control area to allow staff to monitor the procedure without exposure to radiation.
Area of the room depends on the designer. But make it spacious to keep the files and the computer in check. (Minimum: 1.5 meters x 2 meters.)

Additional Considerations

X-ray room setup should include a warning light (red bulb) outside the room linked to the X-ray generator to illuminate only during machine activation.
The chest stand or frame can be mounted on the wall opposite the entrance door and control console to optimize space and accessibility.
Depending on the machine’s capacity, calculate the required power load and install a dedicated main switch and cable for each room, ensuring safe and efficient X-ray room setup.
For Digitalized Radiography (DR) rooms, consider a separate control room with a lead glass window (2 mm lead lining) separating the two areas, as part of X-ray room additional considerations.
Maintain room temperature between 18°C and 21°C with humidity below 60%. Confirm environmental requirements with equipment suppliers as some machines may have specific needs.
Proper earthing for all machines is essential to prevent electrical hazards.
Provide a stand with heavy-duty hangers outside each room for lead aprons.
Include a cabinet in each room to store radiation safety gear like lead gloves, goggles, groin guards, and collars.

Accommodating Specific Rooms With Equipment

Mobile X-ray System: A designated storage area sized appropriately for the number of mobile units, ensuring proper X-ray room equipment setup.
Changing Rooms: A room sized approximately 3048 mm x 3048 mm with lockers, hooks, hangers, and a cabinet for storing sterilized gowns is needed for patients to change before procedures.
Patient Preparation Room: A 3658 mm x 3658 mm room with an examination couch and chair is recommended for specific procedures requiring patient preparation (e.g., barium swallow).
Computerized Radiography (CR) Room: This room, sized around 4267 mm x 3658 mm, should have a countertop or table to accommodate the CR system and ensure proper X-ray machine placement. A separate table with a chair is needed for the computer. The room should maintain a temperature of 18-21°C with 40-50% relative humidity. Standard lighting is sufficient.

Specifications Of Hospital X-Ray Room (Notes You Can Take)

Remember to maintain these X-ray room notes for any hospital. You can tweak the settings as you like, afterward maintaining these minimum requirements. Here they are:

General X-ray room specifications

Size: Minimum of 25 square meters (270 sq ft)
Shape: Rectangular is recommended
Walls: Must be at least 229 mm thick with plaster on both sides. Ideal primary wall is 250 mm solid baked clay bricks or 150 mm mortar/concrete for plain radiography. Hollow bricks need additional protection with barium plaster
Single Wall Length: No single wall dimension less than 4 meters
Flooring: Slip-resistant tiles, marble, or granite
Door: Single door with minimum width of 1524 mm (60 in) for trolley access, at least 1500 mm (59 in) long and 2000 mm (79 in) high. Door and frame require 2 mm lead lining with no radiation leakage. Overlap of at least 100 mm on each side when closed. Requires handles and locks on both sides
Windows: Not allowed
Warning Light: Red light outside the door to illuminate during X-ray activation [point 11]
Lighting: Normal LED lighting with sufficient lumen. No extra lighting needed in the room
Temperature: 18°C to 21°C (64°F to 70°F)
Humidity: Not more than 60%. Confirm with equipment supplier for specific needs [point 17]
Grounding: Proper earthing required for all machines

Additional Features

Lead apron hanger stand outside the room
Cabinet for radiation safety equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.) inside the room
Shielded barrier at the X-ray control console to protect staff
Lead glass window (with 2 mm lead lining) in a wooden frame between DR room and control room (if applicable)

Room Sizes (suggestions)

Fluoroscopy Room: Same as radiography room [point 3]
Mobile X-ray Storage: 3658 mm x 3658 mm (12 ft x 12 ft)
Changing Room: 3048 mm x 3048 mm (10 ft x 10 ft)
Patient Preparation Room: 3658 mm x 3658 mm (12 ft x 12 ft)
Computerized Radiography (CR) Room: 4267 mm x 3658 mm (14 ft x 12 ft). Countertop or table required for CR system, table with chair for PC, space for camera (tabletop or floor model)

X-ray Room Layout

Here’s an x-ray room layout dwg free download file from our Google Drive. Use it as you wish.

An X-ray room’s layout plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient workflow, patient safety, and staff well-being. Here’s a breakdown of key components and considerations:

X-ray Room Components

X-ray Machine: The centerpiece of the room, typically positioned in a corner to maximize usable space within the digital X-ray room layout.
Control Area: A shielded booth for the operator, equipped with a monitoring console and a lead-lined window for a clear view of the patient.
Patient Positioning Area: This area includes the examination table (fixed or multi-positional), and may also have a stand for specific procedures like chest X-rays.
Beam Limiting Devices: These devices restrict the X-ray beam to the area of interest, minimizing radiation exposure to other parts of the patient’s body.
Collimation System: Helps focus the X-ray beam for a sharper image.

X-ray Machine Placement

Positioning: In a digital x-ray room layout keep a clearance of at least 2 feet (0.91 m) on the four sides. Ideally placed in a corner of the room, allowing ample space for patient maneuvering and staff movement.
Shielding: Walls surrounding the X-ray machine require proper shielding to prevent radiation from reaching other occupied areas.
Safety Considerations: The placement should minimize radiation exposure to staff during operation, particularly in the xray room control area.

Control Area

Location: The x-ray room control area needs to be situated outside the primary beam path, with a lead-lined window for a safe view of the patient.
Shielding: Walls, ceiling, and floor of the control area require lead or equivalent shielding for operator protection.
Console Design: The console should be designed for easy access to controls and clear visibility of the patient during the X-ray procedure.

Patient Preparation Area

The x-ray room patient area is where patients can wait and then get dressed. There’s a sitting area and a changing room. If the hospital is small, at least keep the changing area.

Changing Room: A separate space for patients to change into hospital gowns, often located near the X-ray room entrance. This room should have lockers for personal belongings, hooks for clothes, and a supply of sterilized gowns.
Preparation Room (Optional): For specific procedures, a dedicated room might be necessary for patient preparation, such as administering oral contrast solutions before barium swallow examinations. This room should have a comfortable chair, an examination couch, and a sink for handwashing.

Optimizing Workflow

Proper X-ray room layout optimization is always a must. The room should be designed to optimize workflow for both staff and patients. Here are some key considerations:

Efficient Patient Flow: The layout should facilitate smooth patient movement from registration to the examination area and back.
Staff Accessibility: Easy access to patients and equipment for technologists is crucial.
Equipment Accessibility: Adequate space for maneuvering equipment like wheelchairs and stretchers is necessary.
Minimizing Wait Times: A well-designed layout can minimize wait times for patients between preparation and X-ray procedures.

By carefully considering these factors, X-ray room layout can be optimized to ensure a safe, efficient, and patient-centered environment.

Types of X-ray Rooms

X-ray rooms might look similar from the outside, but behind those doors lies a world of specialization, each room designed for a specific imaging task. Let’s take a peek inside:

General X-ray Rooms: These are the most common. Think bones, chests, and abdomens. Imagine a big camera with a safe room for the operator!
Fluoroscopy Rooms: Ever seen a doctor use live X-ray during a procedure? This is their turf. Special machines move around the patient, giving real-time pictures.
On-the-Go X-ray Rooms: Not everyone can make it to the X-ray room. For those who can’t move, portable X-ray machines are like little X-ray cameras brought right to their bedside. Hospitals also have bigger mobile units for more powerful imaging on the go.
Dental X-ray Rooms: Those sharp close-ups of your teeth? They happen here. As Dental X-rays use less radiation, the dental x-ray room design is a bit different. Well, teeth are smaller than your whole body, right?
Specialty X-ray Rooms: Advanced imaging like CT scans or special procedures using X-ray guidance? These rooms have the right equipment and shielding to get the job done safely and effectively.

If you want to know what’s the best X-Ray Machine for your needs, MedSpartans can help you out.

Contact Us For A Free Consultation!

Safety and Compliance For X-Ray Rooms

X-ray rooms provide invaluable diagnostic tools, but like any environment utilizing radiation, safety is paramount. Strict regulations and operational procedures ensure the well-being of both patients and staff. This section explores key aspects of x ray room safety measures and compliance in X-ray rooms.

Minimizing Radiation Exposure

Shielding: X-ray rooms are designed to contain radiation within the designated area. Walls, doors, and sometimes even floors are constructed with lead or other radiation-shielding materials. The specific thickness of the shielding depends on the type of X-ray machine and the procedures performed in the room.
Distance: Maximizing distance from the X-ray source is another crucial safety measure. Control booths in general radiography rooms allow operators to view and operate the machine from a safe distance. Similarly, portable X-ray units are designed for quick positioning and moving away from the beam after exposure.
Protective Equipment: Staff wear lead aprons, thyroid collars, and sometimes gloves or goggles depending on the procedure and their proximity to the X-ray beam. These garments absorb scattered radiation, minimizing exposure.
Collimation: Collimators are devices that restrict the size and shape of the X-ray beam, directing it only to the area of interest. This minimizes unnecessary radiation exposure to surrounding tissues.

Operational Procedures and Staff Training

X-ray room operational procedures mandate that only trained and authorized personnel are permitted to operate X-ray equipment. They undergo comprehensive staff training for X-ray rooms, including radiation safety protocols, safe operating procedures, and emergency response measures.
Patient Selection: Medical justification is essential. X-ray examinations are only performed when the potential benefits outweigh the risks of radiation exposure. Pregnancy screening and alternative imaging techniques are considered to minimize radiation dose, especially for women of childbearing age.
Monitoring: Staff wear dosimeter badges to monitor their cumulative radiation exposure over time. These badges track radiation dose and ensure personnel stay within safe limits.
Signage and Access Control: X-ray rooms are clearly marked with warning signs to restrict access to unauthorized individuals. Doors may require access codes or designated personnel to open, further restricting casual entry during X-ray procedures.

Regulatory Compliance

Licensing: X-ray facilities must obtain licenses from regulatory agencies to operate legally. These licenses ensure the facility meets safety standards for radiation-emitting equipment and adheres to operational procedures.
Inspections: Regular inspections by regulatory bodies are conducted to verify compliance with safety regulations. These inspections may involve equipment checks, documentation reviews, and staff training assessments.
Recordkeeping: Detailed records of X-ray procedures, equipment maintenance, and personnel monitoring data are maintained for a specific timeframe as mandated by regulations.

Maintenance and Cleanliness

Proper x-ray room maintenance and cleanliness are essential for safety and equipment longevity. Here’s a quick guide:

General Upkeep: Follow equipment manuals for cleaning and maintenance. Daily wipe downs and proper waste disposal are essential.
Specific Room Needs:
- General Radiography: Regularly inspect lead shielding and clean collimators.
- Fluoroscopy: Replace drapes often and maintain the C-arm machine.
- Portable/Mobile X-ray: Disinfect after each use and maintain batteries.
- Dental X-ray: Clean bitewing holders and headrests, inspect protective gear.
- Specialty Rooms: Follow specific cleaning protocols and maintain air quality.

By following these steps, X-ray facilities can ensure a safe and effective environment for everyone. If you want an in-depth article on maintenance and cleanliness, go through this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is an X-ray room built?

X-ray rooms use thick walls (229-250mm) with plaster for radiation protection. They have a single wide door, no windows, and a separate control room with lead glass (for digital radiography).

How thick is an X-ray room?

X-ray room walls must be at least 229 millimeters thick, with some requiring a thicker layer (250mm) of solid bricks for better radiation shielding.

What are the criteria for an X-ray room?

X-ray rooms follow national radiation safety guidelines, have a minimum size of 25 sqm with at least one wall 4 meters long, and separate rooms for each machine. They require lead-lined walls, doors, and sometimes windows. Other criteria include a warning light, temperature/humidity control, ventilation, and proper grounding.

What is the size of an X-ray room?

The minimum size for an X-ray room is 25 square meters, but specific dimensions are not given. Other rooms in the X-ray zone may have different size requirements.

Can you keep clothes on for X-ray?

Yes, you can keep clothes on for an X-ray if the clothing doesn’t contain metal, like zippers or buttons, which can interfere with the image. However, for certain X-rays, you may be asked to wear a gown.

Why Are X-Ray Rooms Dark?

X-ray rooms are dark to improve image clarity by reducing glare and reflections on monitors or film. The low light ensures that radiologists can see subtle details, making it easier to detect any abnormalities for accurate diagnosis.

Conclusion

X-ray rooms are the instruments in the orchestra of medical diagnosis, each playing a vital role in revealing the inner workings of the human body.

From the workhorse general radiography rooms to the specialized suites for CT scans and fluoroscopy procedures, these environments require a harmonious blend of safety, functionality, and image quality.

Rigorous cleaning protocols, meticulous equipment maintenance, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are the cornerstones of a successful X-ray room. Regular inspections of lead shielding in general radiography rooms or proper disinfection of portable X-ray units are just a few examples of the vigilance required.