Safety considerations when using a portable handheld X-ray generator

Ensuring Safety with Portable Handheld X-ray Generators in Veterinary Practice

When using any x-ray equipment, the most important consideration for the user should always be safety.

Having safety protocols and measures in place is equally important when using both portable handheld X-ray generators and stationary machines. This article will review these safety considerations in veterinary practice.

Why choose handheld X-ray machines?

There are many benefits to using portable handheld x-ray generators and the demand is growing within the industry.

The fact that they are portable is brilliant for taking the X-ray machine anywhere, both in and out of the practice, and it provides lots of scope for field X-rays. As they are not fixed in a designated X-ray room, there are no installation costs or building adaptations required, therefore it is a bit more economical.

They are versatile and can take images of difficult locations and angles such as dentition and distal limbs etc. Sometimes this can prove extremely challenging and sometimes even impossible with fixed machines.

In the small animal veterinary field, there is a growing use and demand for handheld radiography equipment in dentistry cases and oral radiography is evolving. In an ideal scenario, every patient undergoing a dental procedure should have dental X-rays taken before the surgery.

This will allow for a more thorough assessment of specific dental diseases such as feline oral resorptive lesions (FORL).

However, it is important to be aware of the additional safety requirements.

Testing and training

Firstly, any X-ray equipment before use by veterinary professionals must be reviewed and tested to meet legal requirements.

Handheld radiography equipment is a real advance in both small and large animal practice, as it allows a much greater scope of diagnostic imaging.

With that, however, there is also more scope for inadvertent or excessive irradiation of staff and potentially patients.

As a result, proper and professional training should be undertaken by anyone who operates or is present for handheld X-rays. Once official protocols are set in place, these regulations must be strictly adhered to maximize user and patient safety. 

Personal safety and protection

Handheld X-ray devices are designed to have a hands-off approach to the patient by not requiring any form of manual restraint.

This allows radiographic images to be taken from a safer distance, without the veterinarian’s hands being directly exposed. Users should still always wear lead protective gloves that fully enclose the hands to reduce skin radiation exposure from scattered beams, as well as lead aprons and, where possible, thyroid neck shields.

There can be serious human health complications that can occur from overexposure to radiation. The carcinogenic effects of radiation exposure (especially high-dose radiation or repeated exposures) remain a huge topic of interest (scientific, medical, and legal) in both the human and veterinary fields which is why the relevant safety rules must always be adhered to.

In 2016, a survey was carried out among veterinary professionals, and it was discovered that 90% of participants were seeking alternative ways to manual restraint during X-rays, encouraging the need and demand for handheld devices. 

Alternative methods to manual restraint are positioning aids and sedation to allow a ‘hands-free’ approach. In general, there is no excuse for unshielded manual restraint of a patient, and relatively few patients are unsuitable for any form of chemical restraint. 

Integral protection

The safety of any handheld X-ray device lies in the operator’s hands. Handheld and portable X-ray devices are designed differently from other machines by encompassing some features to reduce radiation exposure.

Handheld machines have a lead shield incorporated into the device and often a lead shield close to the x-ray tube head to minimize radiation exposure through backscatter towards the operator.

Patient safety

As well as user safety considerations, we must always review patient safety and try to reduce their radiation exposure as much as possible. We must always abide by the specific safety distance between the handheld device and the patient. 

Dosage monitoring

Like all x-ray devices when they are in use, users should always wear personal dosimeter badges to monitor the user’s exposure to radiation. Every user should have their dosimeter badge and these badges should not be shared between colleagues.

This safety consideration is a strict regulation and dosimeter badges should be regularly checked to monitor radiation exposure levels.

Aging equipment 

Like any technical machinery, handheld X-ray machines and generators can have a reduced function and not work as well over time, especially after a lot of use.

Compliance audits and equipment servicing must therefore never be overlooked or forgotten about. As a general rule, all machines should be inspected by a qualified maintenance engineer or technician at least annually, and if in heavy use, this may need to be every 6 months, depending on the model.

To conclude, handheld X-rays are an exciting development within the veterinary profession.

They have many advantages for both the user and the patient, but these handheld machines do not come without their risks and safety should always remain the priority in every single individual case.

References

Ali, Y, F. Cucinotta, F, A. Ning-Ang, L. Zhou, G. 2020. Cancer risk of low dose ionizing radiation. Frontiers of physics. 8.

https://newvetequipment.com/#eapps-search-7455972f-926a-408a-9a16-b9db8da324fb-hand%20held%20x-ray

https://newvetequipment.com/dr-with-table-generator

https://handsfreexrays.com/about

https://www.celticsmr.co.uk/media/1490/nomad-pro-vet-brochure.pdf

Handheld Veterinary Dental X-Ray - What To Know And How To Get?

With many options in the market, choosing a handheld veterinary dental x-ray can be taxing. Moreover, you may not even know what to get without the right guidance.

This article discusses everything about handheld veterinary dental x-ray devices, including what they are, how they work, and the things you need to consider before buying one. 

What is a Handheld Veterinary Dental X-Ray?

A handheld veterinary dental x-ray is a compact system that allows you to take x-ray images of the mouth and teeth of animals. 

The three major components of portable dental x-ray systems include:

The X-Ray Machine

The x-ray machine is used to shoot x-ray beams into the sensor. It consists of a generator, x-ray tube, and a rechargeable battery assembled into a single unit. 

Handheld dental x-ray machines are shaped like a pistol, allowing the practitioner to direct the beams exactly where they want. In addition, as they are digital systems, you don’t require a darkroom to operate them.

The Sensor

A sensor is a device positioned between the teeth and the x-ray machine to take images as required. The quality of the image taken depends on the type of sensor you’re using.

Since the sensor needs to be placed inside the animal’s mouth, it’s tiny. In most cases, it's only a couple of inches. 

In handheld x-ray systems, the sensor can be directly connected to the computer via USB or wireless connection (WiFi or Bluetooth).

The Software

Software is a program installed on the computer that allows you to store, analyze, and manage the images taken by the x-ray device.

Many x-ray device providers offer their own software, which means the learning curve, features, and methods of functioning of different software aren’t the same.

Things to Consider While Buying Handheld Veterinary Dental X-Ray Devices

Now that you know the basics of handheld dental veterinary x-ray devices, we look at the things that you need to consider before buying one:

Prices

Price is important when choosing a handheld veterinary x-ray device, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. As you can see, x-ray devices cost a lot of money to manufacture, so the good ones will always cost more than the unreliable ones.

Remember, repairing broken handheld x-ray devices may cost you a lot of money. In other words, paying more upfront for a high-quality device is actually more economical in the long term than going for a dirt-cheap machine.

The Type of the Generator

Especially for dental x-ray devices, it is essential to have a high-frequency generator.

High-frequency generators can give an output of upto 20 kHz, as opposed to only 70 Hz in most conventional systems.

This means that these generators can release x-ray beams with a very high penetrative power, resulting in clearer images.

In addition, high-frequency beams don’t need much time to capture the image, meaning that the patient’s mouth doesn’t need to be exposed to the rays for a long time.

Battery Backup

The battery is the primary source of power in most handheld x-ray devices. 

There are basically two things to check when analyzing the battery.

The first one is the battery backup, this means how many images you can take in a single charge.

And the second one is the charging time. If you have many patients in your clinic, you wouldn’t want anyone to wait for long just because the device is charging.

Note: Especially if you are always on the move, look for a device with a removable battery. This way, you can always depend on a backup if the main battery dies.

Software Features

Good x-ray software isn’t only limited to storing images. You’ll have to be able to rely on it to manage the entire workflow and make your practice more convenient than ever.

Some of the essential features to look for in dental x-ray software include cloud storage, sharing of images, storing of the information of patients, and in-depth analysis of the images from various angles.

Don’t forget to check the availability of presets for different animals and teeth types, so that you wouldn’t need to set up the software from scratch every time a new patient arrives.

The Device Provider

The device supplier should be responsible and transparent. They should be willing to offer you training and good customer service in case anything goes wrong.

Remember, you wouldn’t want a provider who takes a lot of time to reply when you tell them about a problem. After all, your business shouldn’t stop because of an issue with your x-ray machine.

Finally, don’t forget to be clear about the hidden charges for customer support and the warranties and service agreements if you rent the device.

Other Things to Know Before Choosing the X-Ray Device

In addition to the above, here are some other things to know before buying the machine:

Exposure Count

Exposure count is the number of times the x-ray device has been used. If you are buying a used device, the exposure count should be as low as possible.

But remember that if the device has gone through regular maintenance and the parts have been replaced as required, the exposure count won’t matter as much.

The Warranty and the Paperwork

You’ll need to be crystal clear about the terms and conditions of the warranties offered. Make sure you complete all the paperwork and have all the documents you’ll need while claiming the warranty.

Even if you’re renting the device, ask the supplier if the warranty applies. 

Looking to Buy a Handheld Veterinary Dental X-Ray Device?

newvetequipment.com offers them at the best prices! We only sell items from vetted manufacturers, and we’ll also ensure that you won’t have to wait or worry when you have any device issues. You can browse our devices or contact us to learn more about our services.

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How Much Do Today’s Veterinary Digital Dental X-Ray Systems Cost?

An average price range for a new digital dental radiography system would be $8,000-$15,000, depending on which components and features the system includes. 

Dental radiographs are now considered a standard part of a comprehensive dental procedure.

Good quality dental x-rays can help a vet discover and treat more pathology, thereby boosting both patient care and revenue.

Although a dental x-ray system is an important equipment investment, a veterinary practice should plan for its purchase appropriately.

This includes knowing how much to budget long-term, exploring financing options, and maximizing the ROI on the new equipment.

It’s important to see exactly what you’re getting for the purchase price. For example, is the generator handheld, or is there a stand, arm, or wall mount included?

For CR plates or digital sensors, how many are included, and in which size(s)?

Also, what type of software are you receiving?

Don’t be afraid to shop around or negotiate with sellers, to receive the best possible price.

However, also keep in mind that the cheapest price isn’t always the best. Quality is key when investing in an important piece of equipment.

Check with colleagues to see which systems they prefer, or ask the seller for references of other vets in your area who have purchased the equipment so you can get some honest feedback.

See if neighboring clinics would mind you stopping by to see the equipment in person and look at the images they’re getting.  

What Are the Maintenance Costs of Veterinary Digital Dental X-Ray Equipment?

In addition to the actual purchase price, it’s important to factor in the long-term costs of maintaining your equipment in working order. 

Ongoing costs, for both new and used equipment alike, may include…

• Warranties. Ask when any initial warranties expire, whether they can be renewed, and how much it will cost to renew. Also, find out exactly what the warranty covers. Ask about drop damage, bite damage (since the sensor will be placed directly in a patient’s mouth!), and any other common incidents that may occur in a veterinary hospital. Not all warranties cover these things.

• Ongoing maintenance and repairs. Ask about routine recommended maintenance, as well as costs of the most common types of repairs. If any of this isn’t fully covered by a warranty or service plan, plan ahead for these costs so they don’t catch you by surprise. Also, add these expenses into your total purchase cost. Sometimes, more expensive long-term maintenance can cancel out the cost savings of a lower initial purchase price.

• Software upgrades. Timely upgrades are crucial to keeping your equipment working smoothly—for image processing, storage, and sharing. Also, ask about security against hacking or cyber-attacks, since radiographs are part of confidential medical records.

• Ask about technical support, and if there is a free 24/7 support line you can call for smaller issues.

• Ask about loaner equipment that can be used if any component of your system needs to be repaired. With this option available, you’re less likely to lose revenue if your equipment becomes damaged or needs a repair.

Look Into Equipment Financing Options

Once you’ve calculated all the costs of purchasing and maintaining your new dental x-ray system, it’s also important to consider how you will finance the purchase. This can make or break your monthly cash flow.

The first decision is whether to purchase or rent the equipment. Many vets recommend purchasing if that is an option for your practice. However, each veterinary practice must choose what works best for their finances and practice flow.

Business savings may be a good option to purchase the equipment outright. But sometimes, monthly payment plans are easier on cash flow, since revenue from using the x-ray system could be enough to cover the monthly payment and earn a profit right away.

Of course, this is assuming that the interest rate on the payment plan is reasonable.

For monthly payment plans, check with the equipment seller, or ask about a capital lease (a type of loan for equipment purchases) from banks.

Remember to factor in tax savings (Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code) and seek guidance from a financial professional.

How Can a Veterinary Practice Maximize the Return on Their Equipment Investment?

Of course, you’re probably excited to start using your new dental x-ray equipment. However, maximizing the use of your equipment starts BEFORE the purchase.

If the equipment is confusing or cumbersome to use, it will take more time per study, which means fewer dental procedures can be scheduled. Also, there will be a subconscious reluctance to schedule if the equipment is a pain to use.

So, make sure to invest in a system that is user-friendly and efficient and produces high-quality, diagnostic images. 

Also, invest in training for your team, since dental radiographs (especially those bisecting angle shots) can be confusing for anyone new to taking these x-ray studies. That also means training for vets on how to interpret dental images.

While a learning curve should always be expected, good training means less frustration and a shorter time until everyone feels comfortable getting great, diagnostic images—and for vets to feel confident diagnosing pathology on the images.

Finally, plan ahead for how much you will charge for dental x-ray studies, and how this can be worked into the total cost of a dental procedure. 

All of these efforts can maximize the ROI on your new digital dental x-ray machine, while ensuring the highest level of patient care—a plan that’s beneficial to everyone.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Dental Care in Small Mammal

Since dental health can be a serious issue that affects a pet’s ability to eat, it’s important to address dental disease when it arises—even in the smallest of patients, like small mammals or pocket pets. While these tiny mouths can be challenging to work with, it is possible to evaluate and treat dental issues in these species.

In recent articles, we’ve discussed dental care in rabbits and guinea pigs. Today, we’ll focus on small rodents such as hamsters, gerbils, mice, and rats.

Which Dental Issues Do Small Mammals Develop?

These species (gerbils, hamsters, mice, and rats) can develop incisor malocclusions, since their incisors are open-rooted and grow continuously.

Unlike rabbits and guinea pigs, these small rodents have closed-rooted molars that do not grow continuously. Fortunately, that means that dental issues of the cheek teeth, while possible, are much less common.

On the other hand, since their molars have fully developed roots and don’t continuously erupt, small rodents may develop periodontal disease secondary to plaque. They may also develop dental caries if fed a diet heavy in sugar, including excessive use of certain commercial rodent treats.

Other oral issues include trauma to the teeth or jaws, food impaction, abscesses and infections, or diseases such as neoplasia. In hamsters, cheek pouch eversions or impactions are especially common.

Normal Dentition in Small Mammals

Mice, rats, gerbils, and hamsters have the dental formula 2(I 1/1, C 0/0, P 0/0, M 3/3), for a total of 16 teeth, with a space called the diastema between the incisors and molars. 

The mandibular incisors are about three times as long as the maxillary incisors. The enamel may be white to yellow or orange, depending on the species.

As mentioned above, their incisors grow continuously, while their molars do not. 

This dentition is consistent with the lifestyle of these small exotic pets. Their diet primarily includes seeds, roots, tubers, and grains—so unlike rabbits and guinea pigs, they don’t ingest a lot of fiber to the point where they require continuously erupting cheek teeth.

Their incisors wear down due to gnawing and burrowing behaviors. Chewing aids—such as wooden blocks or cardboard that is free of print or dyes—can help promote this natural behavior and keep the incisors in good shape.

Diagnosing Dental Disease in Small Mammals

Symptoms may be subtle at first, and it is common for pet owners to miss disease until it becomes more advanced. Symptoms may include anorexia, any change in behavior (such as hiding or hunching if they are in pain), drooling, and swellings or changes to face symmetry.

Hamsters with cheek pouch impactions may present with swollen cheeks. Or the cheek pouches may be seen protruding from the mouth in the case of eversions.

It’s possible for a veterinarian to do an initial, cursory oral exam on an awake pet using an otoscopic cone, and to evaluate the incisors on an awake pet. This method may uncover obvious abnormalities. But it is likely to miss subtle changes and does not allow for a thorough oral exam.

Anesthesia or sedation are best, both for a full oral examination and for dental radiographs.

Additional tools for small rodents, such as mouth gags and cheek retractors, are needed to get the best view of the teeth and oral cavity. Magnification can also be very valuable.

A dental x-ray study is best performed using a dental x-ray unit, with the sensor placed extra-orally due to the small size of these patients. Mammography film can also be used, as it shows fine details.

Treating Dental Disease in Small Mammals

For incisor malocclusions, the goal is to restore the teeth to their normal length and function. An appropriate type of dental drill is recommended. Avoid nail trimmers, rongeurs, and other cutting tools as these carry a risk of fracturing the teeth during trimming.

Molars should NEVER be trimmed since they have true roots and don’t erupt continuously. However, these cheek teeth may require removal of tartar and treatment of periodontal disease or even extraction of severely diseased or abnormal teeth. 

For hamsters with cheek pouch eversions, viable tissue should be put back into normal position and sutured to the cheek. With impactions, the pouch must be emptied out and rinsed with saline.

Antibiotics and pain medications should be prescribed as needed, depending on the pathology.

Any vet treating dental disease in small rodents must have the appropriate sizes and types of dental tools. It’s also possible to use a needle (18 to 25-gauge, depending on the size of the patient) as an elevator during extractions.

Appropriate training is also very important, to ensure these small patients receive the specialized care their need. 

Due to their fast metabolism, nutritional support is usually needed until the animal is recovered and eating on its own.

Owner Education is Important

Many clients buy these small pets for their children and don’t necessarily interact with the pets on a daily basis or have a deep understanding of their husbandry needs.

Promoting regular checkups of these patients can help to catch issues early, as well as educate owners on husbandry and on how to tell if their pet is ill. 

All of this can serve to better the health of these small rodents and help to catch dental disease or other health issues early, when treatment may be simpler and carry a better prognosis.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM