X-Ray Shredding
It is illegal to simply toss old X-rays into the garbage or dispose of them in a landfill. Not only do X-rays contain silver emulsion, a highly reactive and flammable material, they are considered private health records. You must dispose of X-rays in ways that do not hurt the environment, create safety hazards or compromise patient privacy as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Medical X-ray films and MRI films are considered Protected Health Information (“PHI”) under HIPAA and must be destroyed properly.
One of our trained technicians will visit your place of business to pick up X-rays or MRI films for secure destruction. Once they have been destroyed, we will provide you with a Certificate of Destruction, an important document indicating your compliance with information destruction regulations.
In addition to the X-rays themselves, it’s important to remember that the X-ray jackets also contain Protected Health Information that must be properly destroyed.
Federal law requires a retention period of five to seven years for adults and minors. (please check your local, state and national regulations)
HIPAA Rule for Disposing of X-Ray Films
According to HIPAA, the responsibility for X-ray film disposal lies with the physicians or health care facility. HIPAA also gives physicians or health care facilities the choice of having X-rays destroyed either on-site or off-site. HIPAA requires that the disposal of X-ray films and other medical records be done in a way that protects the confidentiality of the information.
BioSecure is proud to offer X-ray and MRI film destruction and recycling options.