Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Handbook 7610 (276)
Washington, DC 20420
June 2006
11. The shield control room for each radiology room accommodates the controls and
appropriate accessories and must provide required radiation protection for the
technician. The wall space of each control booth which faces the radiology room
must accommodate an X-ray control window (viewing window) with a minimum
dimension of 18" x 24" (324 mm x 610 mm). Voice communication between the
patient and technician should be provided. The control room must be positioned so
that the technician can observe both patient and the controls simultaneously.
Control area must also permit observations of the patient through the viewing
window when the table is in 90 degree vertical position as well as when the table is
horizontal. Whenever possible, the control room should be designed without a door
to the radiology room and it must conform to NCRP standards.
G. PACS reading stations may be located centrally or remotely. It should be noted that for
general viewing by physicians outside the Radiology Service, a typical flat screen
monitor will suffice for reading of images. A high-end monitor system should be
provided in areas where physician viewing / diagnosis occur, either within the Radiology
Service or remotely.
1. Film processing areas (if applicable based upon PACS utilization) will provide
accommodations for both the darkroom and the daylight functions. Space allocation
between the two functions will be determined on an individual project basis.
Processing areas should be situated in the geographic center of the suite, isolated
from the general traffic pattern.
2. Ideally, film storage facilities (if applicable based upon PACS utilization) for patient
records for the latest two-year period should be located in the main Radiology Suite.
The remaining three years of film requirements may be accommodated in another
location with due consideration for convenience of retrieval.
3. With the continued move to complete PACS system, locate film file spaces to
facilitate alternative use in the future.
H. Mobile X-Ray unit storage alcove is utilized as an equipment storage area for X-Ray unit
when not in use. One such area should be provided on each nursing unit floor.
I. The Housekeeping Aids Closet should be placed in the general area of the
Radiographic / Fluoroscopic and Interventional Procedures Rooms.
J. Staff facilities such as lockers, lounges, and staff toilets should be located within the
Service and be convenient to employee assigned work areas.
K. Consult imaging equipment vendors for recommended and minimum room sizes and
equipment layouts prior to finalizing planning layouts.
L. Refer to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Facilities Management
Handbooks, Standards, Standard Details, and Design Guides for technical criteria
including:
1. Increased HVAC requirements for heat generating imaging, archiving and viewing
equipment.
Radiology Service (Chapter 276): Page 23 of 28
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