b. Standard Operating Procedures in Manual Format. Standard operating
procedures will normally take the form of manuals covering various aspects of
procedure. The manuals spell out who does what and how frequently. Manuals usually
include samples of authorization forms for radiographic procedures. Thus, a properly
filled out copy of an X-ray request form will be included in the forms manual, and views
performed per routine and fluoroscopic procedures will be covered in a manual. Patient
preparation instructions will be outlined, in writing, in one of the manuals. A film sign-
out policy will be defined. Mass casualty procedures will be specified. Departmental
safety procedures will be covered in another manual. Radiologic compliance
evaluations will be addressed in still another manual, which specifies: frequency of
is another important area of concern, which will also be identified in the SOP. Patient
safety and handling procedures; departmental radiation control procedures; sanitation
and infection control, quality assurance, in-service education, alert rosters, and various
miscellaneous items are also covered in the SOP.
c. Non-Commissioned Officer's Responsibility. It is the NCOIC who is
responsible for developing the SOPs for the department. Having a good SOP with
clearly defined procedures that are updated in a timely fashion is important. A good
SOP can help foster the spirit of teamwork and dedication to excellence that will make a
patient's visits to the radiology department pleasant and the employees' service to the
department as meaningful and satisfying as possible.
MD0064
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