Diagnostic radiology using transportable equipment

At the request of the Minister of Health and Social Services, the Agence d’évaluation des technologies et des modes d’intervention en santé studied the possibility of using transportable x-ray equipment in public institutions or private homes. This request from the Minister resulted from the application made by various practitioners working in the medical and dental fields to be authorized to off er diagnostic radiological services using such equipment in places where current laws and regulations do not allow them to do so.

The report explores the needs of the population for such services, determines the relevance of authorizing the use of this equipment, and considers the possible consequences of such an authorization. It al so includes indications and contraindications to this effect and describes the current legal framework and the regulations required in order to offer quality and safe radiological services. Four categories of locations are examined: private homes, mobile laboratory units, CLSCs ( local community service centres) and CHSLDs (residential and long-term care centres) .

The Agence concludes that it currently appears to be "inappropriate" to authorize the use of transportable medical x-ray equipment in private homes and in mobile laboratory units. However, the use of such equipment is deemed to be "appropriate under specific conditions" in a dedicated room within a CLSC or CHSLD. With respect to dental diagnostic radiology, it currently appears to be "inappropriate" to authorize the use of transportable equipment in private homes. The use of such equipment is deemed to be "appropriate at all times" in a dedicated room within a CLSC or CHSLD and "appropriate under specific conditions" in mobile laboratory units.