Patient dose and image quality evaluation in common radiographic examinations in Sudan

N. A. Ahmed, I. I. Suliman, V. Tsapaki, M. M. Rehani

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Image quality and radiation dose were evaluated in 8radiography rooms in 5 several hospitals in Sudan as part of an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) project RAF/9/033. Entrance Skin Air Kerma (ESAK) was measured in 452 patients in five Sudanese hospitals. The six most common X-ray examinations were selected: Chest posterioranterior (PA), abdomen, lumbar spine anterior-posterior (AP), lumbar spine lateral (LAT), pelvis AP and skull. Exposure factors such as kVp, mAs and focal to skin distance (FSD) were recorded. Output measurements were conducted under standardized protocols prepared by IAEA experts and they were used together with corresponding technical data to calculate each patient ESAK. Patient effective doses (E) were also obtained from ESAK values. Reject analysis was conducted in 959 films in 8 X-ray rooms for 12 days. Corrective actions were applied and a second analysis was again performed in 1803 films. The results of the ESAKs revealed large variations not only between hospitals but also within the same hospital. The kVp settings applied in chest exams were almost half than kVp recommended by EC guidelines. ESAKs are within IAEA GL for all types of examinations except for chest. The reject analysis showed a repeat rate range of 4.5-24.27% at the radiographer level. The accepted films ranged between 51.4-90.4%. Corrective actions were taken. The reject analysis after these actions showed a reduction % of repeat in the range of 2.6-19.3% at the radiographer level. The accepted films ranged between 70.4-94.4%. Significant improvement in image quality was observed. The measurement of patient doses is continued in more hospitals in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan and other states in order to establish national dose reference levels.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWorld Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering
Subtitle of host publicationRadiation Protection and Dosimetry, Biological Effects of Radiation
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages564-566
Number of pages3
Edition3
ISBN (Print)9783642039010
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
EventWorld Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering: Radiation Protection and Dosimetry, Biological Effects of Radiation - Munich, Germany
Duration: Sept 7 2009Sept 12 2009

Publication series

NameIFMBE Proceedings
Number3
Volume25
ISSN (Print)1680-0737

Other

OtherWorld Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering: Radiation Protection and Dosimetry, Biological Effects of Radiation
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityMunich
Period9/7/099/12/09

Keywords

  • Effective dose
  • Entrance skin dose
  • Reject analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Biomedical Engineering

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