Prepare and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment and materials for use on veterinary patients

This standard is about preparing diagnostic imaging equipment and materials for a variety of diagnostic imaging techniques on veterinary patients, including radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy. 

The standard also covers the maintenance of diagnostic imaging equipment, including cleaning and replacement consumables.

This standard is suitable for registered veterinary nurses.

1. confirm the veterinary patient's condition and the diagnostic test required against available information
2. assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when preparing diagnostic imaging equipment and materials
3. select and implement the required veterinary practice infection control procedures for the area of the veterinary practice you are working in
4. wear the required clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) when preparing and maintaining diagnostic imaging equipment for use on veterinary patients
5. prepare and position diagnostic imaging equipment and materials according to veterinary practice procedures and the diagnostic test to be performed
6. maintain diagnostic imaging equipment and materials according to veterinary practice maintenance schedules, veterinary practice procedures and manufacturer's guidelines, including the cleaning and replacement of consumables
7. check for faults in diagnostic imaging equipment and materials and take the action to rectify or report them
8. comply with relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice
9. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies

1. when and why radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy are used for veterinary patients and under what conditions
2. how to assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when preparing diagnostic imaging equipment and materials
3. the clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for diagnostic imaging and how to check for faults in the equipment
4. the required veterinary practice infection control procedures for the area of the veterinary practice you are working in
5. why it is important to obtain guidance from veterinary surgeons and members of the veterinary team when confirming the veterinary patient's condition and the diagnostic test required
6. the preparation requirements for different types of diagnostic imaging equipment and materials     
7. where diagnostic imaging equipment and materials should be positioned for different types of diagnostic imaging techniques
8. the other diagnostic imaging techniques available and their uses, including Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography scan (CT) and Positron Emission Tomography scan (PET)
9. the maintenance and testing schedules for diagnostic imaging equipment and materials and who should maintain it
10. the faults that occur in diagnostic imaging equipment which affect diagnostic quality, reliability and safety, and the actions to take to rectify or report them
11. the types of faults that can occur in diagnostic imaging materials, including damaged packaging, deterioration and contamination
12. your professional responsibilities as a registered veterinary nurse
13. your responsibility under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, codes of practice and business policies

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