Third party testing

The South Australian radiation regulator, the Environment Protection Authority, has introduced a third party testing (TPT) system, whereby people who meet certain criteria are accredited by the EPA to inspect x-ray units, radioactive sources and premises that require registration. In the past, these inspections were all conducted by the EPA. This change will allow the EPA to spend more time focussing on optimising devices that contribute the largest doses to patients and workers, such as CT scanners, mammography x-ray units, and interventional apparatus.

The first phase of TPT involves plain dental x-ray units, and SARadiation's Kent Gregory has been accredited by the EPA to conduct these compliance tests. With over 10 years experience testing all kinds of dental x-ray units and image processing systems, SARadiation will optimise your image quality and minimise dose to patients and staff.

Presently, the only dental x-ray units that require inspection by an accredited tester are new installations, x-ray units that have changed ownership (regardless of the age of the x-ray unit), and dental x-ray units that have been relocated within the premises or to new premises. In the future, it is likely that all dental x-ray units will be required to undergo regular compliance tests, possibly every 3 years.

Pricing (for metropolitan Adelaide)

First x-ray unit: $400 (plus GST)

Subsequent x-ray units at the same site: $200 (plus GST)

Travel outside of metropolitan Adelaide: please contact SARadiation on 0410 388 018