Evaluation of Radiation Protection Status of Diagnostic Radiology Departments of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences Hospitals

Abstract

Purpose: The concept of Quality Control (QC) is considered a regular method to control, stabilize, and inspect the function of the diagnostic imaging system. The objective of implementing the QC program is to produce high-quality images by applying a minimum dose of radiation based on the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the status of radiation protection in diagnostic radiology wards of educational hospitals affiliated with Hamadan University of Medical Sciences.

Materials and Methods: In order to implement the QC programs, standard QC tests were performed for 11 devices at educational hospitals affiliated with Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. A Sweden QC kit called Pirranha was used to carry out the QC tests of X-ray devices, and the dosimetry of controlled areas. Also, the measurement of ambient dose in different places was performed by Graetz dosimeter made in Germany.

Results: Voltage Reproducibility, Exposure time reproducibility, tube outlet Linearity, and tube outlet reproducibility tests in all radiology departments which were in accordance with standard criteria were accepted; however, about 10% of the total filtration resulted in different centers needed to be corrected. In terms of radiation protection, 5% of the centers had problems related to warning signs, dimensions of radiology rooms were not standard at 7% of wards and also required protection was not sufficient at 9 percent. Moreover, there were problems with 12% of radiology centers in terms of dosimetry results and the efficiency of different parts of the radiology device.

Conclusion: QC programs performed by authorized companies are costly. But if these programs are done by qualified physicists in addition to reducing costs, we will see a significant increase in the accuracy and precision of the obtained results.