User's Manual

Chapter 2: Safety and Regulatory

Optima XR220amx X-Ray System 54400222-1EN Rev 1 DRAFT 11092010 2-6

• GE Healthcare strongly suggests reducing radiation dose to As Low As Reasonably Achievable

(ALARA) in all patients, whenever it is determined that an x-ray exposure is necessary.

• It is recommended that all users receive proper training in applications before performing them in a

clinical setting. Please contact the local GE representative for training assistance. ALARA training is

provided by GE Application Specialists. The ALARA education program for the clinical end-user covers

basic x-ray principles, possible biological effects, ALARA principles, and examples of specific

applications of the ALARA principle.

• Check the digital display carefully before making an exposure: verify that the selected technique is

the intended technique. Pay particular attention to the placement of the decimal point in the mAs

setting to insure that whole numbers are not mistaken for an intended mAs fractional number.

• Ask visitors to step outside the room during an exposure.

• Use gonadal shields for patients whenever possible.

• Be sure to read and follow the maintenance schedule outlined in the Maintenance and Service

section of this manual.

• Under most conditions, cumulative radiation dose to the operator will not exceed recommended

maximum permissible levels. However, as with all radiation-producing devices, a qualified radiation

expert should evaluate situations involving frequent exposures using high kVp and mAs technics to

determine if extra protective devices are necessary.

Know the Equipment

Read and understand all of the instructions in this Operator Manual before attempting to use the prod-

uct.

IEC Equipment Classifications

This product is a mobile general purpose radiographic x-ray system. The following equipment classifica-

tions are applicable to this product:

x Equipment classification with respect to protection from electric shock: Class I

x Degree of protection from electric shock: Type B

x Degree of protection against ingress of liquids: IPX0

x Degree of Safety in the presence of Flammable Anesthetics Mixture with air or with oxygen or with

nitrous oxide: Not suitable for use in the presence of Flammable Anesthetics Mixture with air or with

oxygen or with nitrous oxide.

x Mode of operation: Continuous with intermittent loading

DRAFT REVIEW COPY

CTRL+SHIFT+F to search using Search Index (faster)