Evaluation of Radiation Protection Status in Radiology Departments in North Kordofan State

Abstract

Nowadays it is noticed that increasing attention has been paid to radiation protection. There were few studies in evaluation of the radiation protection in radiology departments in Sudan and there were protection remarks in most of them. This study is concerned with evaluate the radiation protection status in North Kordofan State (N.K.S) radiology departments and was conducted in four departments: (El-obied diagnostic Center, El-obied - National Fund for Health Insurance, Elnihoud hospital, Elnihoud Radiology clinic). The study has been carried out during the period from July 2011 up to January 2012. Radiation exposure surveys was carried out using survey meter and quality control test using its tools, The data was collected by data sheets to measuring patient dose using mathematical Equation. Finally collects other data using questionnaires. The ESD was measured to 299 patients in four centers in NKS. The patients’ entrance surface dose (ESD) was measured using exposure factors and machine using Unfors mult-O-meter. The patient data, dose and questionnaires were statistically analyzed and were computed and graphically represented. recommended by (ICRP) and high in one center (100 µSv/h). The mean ESD in this study was found to be (0.76±0.2) mGy, the mean of kVp was found (69.4±5.8)kV, the mean mAs was found (23.62±5.8)mAs, the mean age was found (44±16.3) years and the mean BMI was found (23.7±5.4) Kg/m2. The mean ESD for chest exams was (0.3±0.1)mGy, Skull (0.96±1.2) mGy, Abdomen (0.85±0.2) mGy, Spine (1.3±0.8) mGy & Limbs (0.43±0.2) mGy. The protection status associated with co-patient was good in three centers and high on Elnihoud hospital (reception and door dose) 100µSv/h. The dose for technologist was acceptable in three centers. The lowest radiation dose was found in El-obied - National Fund for Health insurance mean (0.49±0.19) mGy, and the highest in Elnihoud hospital mean (1.06±0.3) mGy, in El-obied diagnostic Center mean (0.696±0.2) mGy & Elnihoud Radiology clinic mean (0.882±0.4) mGy. There was numerous cases dose on the four centers was higher than the DRL on El-obied - National Fund for Health Insurance (2%), El-obied diagnostic Center (4%), In Elnihoud Radiology clinic (23%) & Elnihoud hospital (49%).