Animal radiography is a routine practice of clinical care. Though the generator serves as the heart, it’s the additional accessories that ensure smooth operation.

From protective wear to signage, these items are fundamental in any veterinary x-ray area aiming to safeguard staff and patients.

X-Ray Shielded Doors

These reinforced doors limit external exposure and adhere to health regulations. The level of lead lining should reflect the output power of the x-ray generator. Compatibility with existing room shielding and secure seals must be checked before installation.

X-Ray Side Markers

Side markers label anatomical orientation during each procedure. Despite digital systems, manual tags remain standard procedure for traceability and clarity. Choose markers that withstand frequent use across both film and digital imaging.

Lead-Safe Gloves

Veterinary staff sometimes need to manually position animals. Gloves made from lead composites protect users in such instances. Flexible fit is a key factor, as is regular condition review.

Exposure Status Lights

Lights positioned outside the room notify staff when the machine is active. These should sync with generator use, and be unmissable. Labels such as “Do Not Enter” or “Exposure Ongoing” reduce confusion in busy clinical spaces.

One Supplier vs Many

Using a single specialist supplier for all x-ray accessories improves efficiency. They’ll recommend suitable shielding, especially where regulations and equipment design intersect. Splitting procurement can lead to oversights.

Aligning Layout and Safety

Accessories like gloves, signage, and doors should be included at the planning stage. Retrofitting later can be time-consuming. Ensure calculations for shielding and space requirements are done in tandem with imaging consultants.

Vet Imaging Questions

• Do all imaging rooms require radiation-safe doors?
  Most permanent setups do, unless the workload is minimal in a temporary location.


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• How regularly should gloves be tested?
  Daily condition reviews are essential. Full integrity tests should follow regulatory guidance.


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• Are physical markers still valid for digital imaging?
  Definitely, as they confirm positioning at the time of capture — something annotations can’t substitute fully.



• Can warning systems be added later?
  Usually, yes, so long as an engineer can integrate it with the generator safely.


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• Does splitting purchases between vendors save money?
  At first glance, perhaps, but inconsistencies and the need for later fixes usually incur extra cost.

Optimising for Safety and Compliance

A well-designed veterinary imaging room isn't complete without supporting tools. Accessories like protective gear and control signage play a crucial part.

Veterinary professionals planning upgrades or new installations must address all aspects of the imaging suite to deliver high-quality outcomes across their facilities.