Dentists Warned About Using Hand-Held X-ray Machine
Dentists have been warned against using a hand-held X-ray machine, which exposes patients to bigger doses of radiation.
The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency has advised private and NHS dentists to get rid of a cheap imported hand-held X-ray machine called the Tianjie Dental Falcon, which exposes patients to ten times the normal dose of radiation; experts believe that the machine increases the risk of cancer and damage to the major organs.
So far, thirteen units have been seized at a distribution centre; the machines are available to buy online on sites such as Ebay.
Experts are unaware of the number of patients who have been put at risk as a result of using the machine, but it has been confirmed that at least one dental surgery in the UK has been using the X-ray machine.
The product, which is manufactured in China, underwent emergency testing by the Health Protection Agency and a research team at King’s College London and the results showed that the machine did not provide patients with sufficient levels of protection against radiation. Tests also showed that the X-ray beam was much wider than normal, which meant that the patient’s entire skull was exposed to radiation, rather than just their mouth.
Additional problems included safety concerns with the plug, as the machine comes with a European plug, rather a standard British plug.
Donal Emerton, a scientist involved in the testing process, said that the product exposed patients to high levels of radiation and also put the health of any professionals operating it in danger. He concluded by saying, “I certainly wouldn’t want someone to use this piece of equipment to take an X-ray of me.”
The MHRA thinks that the only UK distribution centre has been successfully closed down and the organisation is now working to make sure that no more units are sold in the UK.
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