Abstract:
The primary objective of this study was to determine the patient and staff dose during cardiac catheterization procedures in Ahmed Gasim Hospital, Khartoum Bahry.
A survey of patient and staff exposure was performed covered 2 Cath Lab units from 2 manufacturers. The measurements involved 50 operations. The medical staff was monitored using TLD chips (LiF: Mg, Cu, P). The main operator who was closer to the patient and the X-ray tube, was monitored at six positions (forehead, neck, chest – over the lead apron, waist – under the lead apron, leg, and hand), while the exposure to the assistant was measured at two positions (chest – over the lead apron, and hand), where the technologist and the circulator were monitored at one position (chest – over the lead apron). Patient exposure was measured using the DAP meter.
The main operator and the rest of the staff received 0.14, 0.01 mSv/procedure, giving rise to an estimated annual effective dose of 17.67, 6.3 mSv/y respectively.
The estimated patient dose rate was found to be 125 mGy/min which considered higher than the recommended DRL for the continuous high mode fluoroscopy used in interventional radiology (100 mGy/min).
The study concluded to the fact that the main operator received relatively high dose which is a direct result to the poor radiation protection in the department.
