What is the standard for record retention for imaging and radiographs?

• A. Retain imaging per board rules or statute; keep original or legally valid copies; label with patient identifiers and dates.
• B. Delete imaging records after two years.
• C. Store imaging records in any format without patient identifiers.
• D. Retain imaging records only for the duration of the patient's care.

Answer: (A)

Imaging records must be kept according to the governing rules, not by personal preference. The standard is to retain imaging per board rules or statute, and to preserve the original or legally valid copies. Labeling with patient identifiers and dates is essential to ensure correct identification, dating, and retrieval, so the records remain tied to the right patient over time. This supports ongoing care, legal protections, and the integrity of the record. Deleting after a fixed short period, storing without patient identifiers, or keeping records only for the duration of care would fail to meet regulatory and professional standards, risking noncompliance, privacy issues, and loss of important information.