How to Choose the Right X-ray Machine for Your Clinic or Hospital

Discover What Your Facility Needs

Sit back for a minute or two and reflect on what your hospital or clinic truly needs before you catch yourself getting sidetracked spec'ing out and fretting over comparing spec or brand. Do all the facilities similarly have similarly typical utilization situations—are you looking at ER trauma patients' images, rural tuberculosis diagnosis, or general radiology exams Select the type of radiographs that you will be doing in the majority of cases, i.e., chest, bone, spine, or dental examination. Project the number of patients you will be seeing per day. Your 10–15 per day patient low volume clinic will function as a hospital-based high volume radiology department.

Location would be the next to look at. In case the X-ray machine would have to be transported back and forth (i.e., between wards, ICUs, or rural camps), a portable or mobile unit will be the way to go. If you are renting an extra room, a floor-standing or fixed unit will be the ideal choice for your workflow.

Know the Types of X-ray Machines

X-ray machines of different sizes and shapes and used for some diagnostic purpose. Small and portable X-ray machines used with best proficiency for home care, rural patients, and ambulances. Large mobile X-ray machines used for ward area or ICU installations. Floor-standing or fixed X-ray machines used in high volume hospital and diagnostic clinic installations. C-arm machines are especially required for operation theatres, especially orthopedic surgery. Dental X-ray machines like OPG and IOPA are utilized by dental clinics, while vet machines are utilized by animal clinics.

Selecting the right category is a promise that the machine will be suitable to your clinical requirement and patient care purpose.

It should also be that the technology used in the imaging system is suitable. Computed Radiography (CR) systems consist of an image plate and a cassette on which the X-ray is discharged and digitally read out by being scanned. CR is a dated system which, however, is still active and budget clinics will be able to afford it. CR systems are more work and time-intensive to prepare, though.

Digital Radiography (DR) does offer real-time images through the assistance of flat-panel detectors. DR units offer better quality images, intermediate speed, and ease of interoperability with PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems). While more expensive to purchase upfront, they offer time saving in diagnosis and better diagnosis—so suitable for medium to heavy volume centers

Ensure AERB Certification (It's Mandatory)

Installation of an X-ray machine in India is prohibited except with the approval of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). AERB governs radiation safety laws for diagnostic devices for all. When purchasing any X-ray machine, ensure if the model X-ray machine already has a valid Type Approval Certificate by the AERB and also the dealer should be registered in the eLORA portal (Electronic Licensing of Radiation Applications).

To confirm, go to the AERB website at [https://elora.aerb.gov.in](https://elora.aerb.gov.in). You have facilities to search on model name, model number, or by category of apparatus. If you're unable to find your model, you may be required to phone the company, or even the AERB itself. Use of an uncertified appliance may cost humongous amounts, lawsuits, and reputation loss.

Think Beyond Price: Total Cost of Ownership

Though the sole initial investment in the shape of an X-ray machine is the issue, it far from being the sole dollar problem. You'd be including installation, clearance from AERB, shielding against radiation in the shape of lead lining and protective equipment, provision of stand-by power in the shape of generators or UPS, and maintenance on an annual basis.

Never forget to inquire if your purchase comes with required add-ons such as image viewers, software licenses, protective aprons, and calibration kits. Less expensive equipment to buy can be very costly in the long term due to poor service, frequent maintenance downtime, or fines by penalty.

Service and maintenance must be done after installing the machine for daily use and patient safety purposes. Purchase and always order from a company supplier that offers after-sales support such as on-site service, preventive maintenance, and spare parts availability. Ask them if they can offer at least a 1-year and beyond warranty and machine handling staff training and introductory diagnostics.

Good after-sales services really spare your time and money, particularly if your machine is possessed with unwanted issues.

Seek the Right Features

New X-ray machines of each brand have bells and whistles for improved image quality, safety, and workflow. Add the following: auto exposure control, digital consoles or touch screens, and DICOM compatibility for connection to hospital systems. Nice-to-have features include radiation dose monitoring, AI-enabled reporting software, and cloud storage.

For portable or mobile machinery, it should be made of portable and light-weight material. Automatic shut-off, fail-safe timers, and distance indicators as safety devices cannot be overlooked.

Stress Radiation Safety

Radiation safety is not a choice—it is legal and ethical. Make sure the machine is radiation-shielding capable and that it is equipped with the use of lead aprons, gloves, protective curtains, and proper signage. Use lead-lined X-ray rooms or portable shields, as well, when renting a shared facility.

Employees need to be instructed radiation protection procedures, such as using personal dosimeters properly, staying at a safe distance, and running the machine on low doses when possible.

Trustworthy Brands to Opt For

A couple of the quality and trustworthy Indian brands for X-ray machines include some of the most trustworthy ones like STAR NUKE Min-X (for movable X-ray equipment), Allengers, Technix, GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, and Agfa. These brands are known for providing best-in-class, AERB-approved machines coupled with quality post-sale service as well as tech-upgradation amenities.

We highly recommend STARNUKE Min-X for mobile units and clinics because of its compact size, imaging speed, and AERB-approved safety.

Before you sign on the dotted line, use this convenient checklist:

- Is the machine AERB-approved

- Does the machine meet your own personal imaging need

- Is it DR or CR Which technology your budget and workflow can manage to

- Did the supplier give you the AERB Type Approval Certificate

- Is the machine registered on the eLORA portal

- Is the machine installed, warranted, and certified by the supplier

- Did the same-model operators train you

It is not merely a matter of brand or price comparison while making a decision on a choice of an X-ray machine. It is a matter of your clinical needs, Indian laws and regulations, for example, specifications and long term maintenance assistance. Smart buying today means simple operations, precise diagnoses, and improved patient outcomes tomorrow.

At X-ray Bazaar, we facilitate India's clinics and hospitals to buy AERB-approved X-ray machines on quality and price that competes. From the installation of the humble one to the complete DR installation, we're here to assist you from the beginning to the end—you buy to install.

🔗 References & Resources

• Atomic Energy Regulatory Board - eLORA Portal

• AERB X-ray Safety Guidelines (PDF)

• World Health Organization – Radiation Safety

• IAEA – Radiation Protection of Patients