Under California law, shielding for mobile x-ray equipment is required when the device is used in which settings?

• A. 2 and 3
• B. 1 and 3
• C. 1 and 2
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (C)

Shielding for mobile x-ray equipment is required whenever the device is used in spaces not designed for radiography because those areas usually lack fixed barriers to contain scattered and leakage radiation. In California, the protection standards focus on preventing exposure to people in uncontrolled areas, so if you perform mobile radiography in a patient room or other non-designated space, you must ensure shielding is provided. In contrast, if you’re in a room that is specifically designed for radiographic procedures and already has appropriate shielding built in, no additional shielding is required for the mobile unit. So the correct settings are the two spaces not designed as radiography rooms, while the radiography-designated space does not require extra shielding.