This Web site is designed to provide help to doctors of chiropractic in complying with the x-ray requirements set forth by the State of Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health has specific rules for the safe use of x-ray in all clinical settings (Chapter 4732). With regards to chiropractic, Chapter 4732 specifically requires the following quality assurance checks:

• Daily quality control testing: For film-based radiology practices, daily processor testing needs to be performed before processing the first film of the day. The results of the test need to be logged on a quality control log along with any corrective actions. The test films need to be kept for 60 days but the logs need to be kept from inspection to inspection. For offices processing less than 10 films per week, sensitometry and densitometry testing can be done on the first day of the week.
• Sensitometer and densitometer calibrations. The senistometry and densitometry units need to be calibrated at least every 24 months.
• Equipment performance evaluations must be performed at least every 24 months.
• Screen contact/screen speed match testing must be performed at least every 24 months.
• Lead integrity testing needs to be performed at least every 24 months.
• Darkroom fog testing must be done at least every six months.
• A formal quality assurance program must be in place in every office.

The above requirements are not exhaustive and the entire Chapter 4732 ruling can be found at www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/radiation/xray.

To download a PowerPoint presentation with additional information on film quality, sensitometry and densitometry, and equipment checks, click here.

If you have specific questions regarding quality control testing, please call (952) 885-5411 to contact the radiology department at Northwestern Health Sciences University.