Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Monday, 1 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will meet manufacturers of radio-diagnostic equipment to discuss increasing the weight limit of 21 to 22 stones for use of such equipment.

Answer: Mr. Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will meet manufacturers of radio-diagnostic equipment to discuss increasing the weight limit of 21 to 22 stones for use of such equipment. [195914] Ms Rosie Winterton: A review of current weight limits for the major manufacturer's X-ray couches has shown that most are substantially above 22 stones. Some couches have limits of just over 21 stones when tilted, but are above 23 stones in the horizontal position. Earlier models still in service may have lower weight limits. Nuclear medicine, where the patient is injected with a radioactive substance and then scanned to image regions of interest, becomes less effective as the patient's weight increases. In the interests of patient safety maximum doses are set by the Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee, which is part of the Department. This will limit the amount of radiation available to produce an image in heavier patients. However, these maximum doses can be exceeded on a named patient basis in special circumstances. It is not necessary for a Minister to meet with manufacturers at this time.

Secondary information