Background/introduction
Recent studies have shown that low radiation doses typical of those in medical imaging may induce malignancies. This creates a need for safe use of radiation during medical exposure. To promote safe radiation use, the Bonn call for action (2012) recommends the development of dose guidance levels for common radiological procedures. In spite the fact that benefits of dose guidance levels are well documented, the current policy of clinical practice in radiology and imaging in Uganda lack dose guidance levels for postero-anterior chest x-ray examination....
Description of activity and work performed
A survey was conducted in Mengo hospital and St Raphael of St Francis hospital, Nsambya from April to August 2019. A total of 367 adults weighing 65±5 kg were recruited and data on patient demographics, machine characteristics and exposure parameters collected. Entrance surface dose was computed using entrance surface air kerma and back scatter factor. Caldose_x software was used to estimate effective dose. Descriptive analysis was done to calculate the average radiation doses.
Conclusion and recommendations
Out of 367 participants, 63% were females. Mean age was 40years and body thickness 22.4 cm. The average tube loading and voltage were 4 mAs and 90 kVp respectively. The median entrance surface was 2.0 mGy and effective dose 0.10mSv.
The average entrance surface dose and effective dose were higher than European commission and IAEA dose guidance levels. Differences in dose were attributable to the use of low tube voltage and high tube loading. The entrance surface dose from this study may be a first...
Personal/organisational information
Nsereko Ezra Kato, BMI, MMI
Ernest cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI)
Mengo Hospital. Albert Cook Building, Albert Cook Road
P.O.BOX 7161. Kampala, Uganda
Tel + 256 414 273394
Mob. + 256704011349
References
JOSEPSTADNIK, L., SHALEPA, O. Y. & NOSIK, O. 2014. THE ASSESSMENT OF PATIENT’S DOSES FOR RADIOGRAPHY AND THEIR OPTIMIZATION BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS. Radiacionnaâ Gigiena, 7, 84-91.
JOSEPH D.Z, N. C. C. 2016. The need to establish national dose reference levels for radiological examinations in Nigeria: Radiographer's role. Nigerian Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, 5.
KOFI OFORI, S. W. G., EMMANUEL AKROBORTU, ADRIANA A AMPENE 2014. ESTIMATION OF ADULT PATIENT DOSES FOR SELECTED X-RAY DIAGNOSTIC EXAMINATIONS. ELSEVIER.
SEBIKALI,...