X-ray examination to measurement radiation doses of patients in three Erbil hospitals

Abstract

Thermo luminescent dosimeters (TLDs) have been used to measure the entrance surface doses (ESDs) of patients undergoing pelvis, abdomen and lumbar spine diagnostic X-ray examinations in Erbil. A total of three public hospitals and 171 patients were included in this investigation. The ages of the patients involved were from 40 years to 85 years, while their weights ranged from 64 kg to 73 kg. Mean, of ESDs are reported. The results showed that in most cases, for each of the examinations, the individual ESD values are found to be comparable with, and higher than, those from Ghana and Tanzania, respectively. The ranges found in this work are high and this indicates more attention needs to be given to X-ray facilities in the country. This also suggests that radiographic departments need to review their radiographic practices in order to bring their doses to optimum levels. Effective doses were also calculated from the ESD values. The radiographic parameters used for all the patients were also compared with the European criteria. It is recommended that the tube filtration at one hospital be increased. The importance of good regulatory activities and trained personnel is stressed in this work. Apart from the fact that the data provided inthis work will be useful for the formulation of national guidance levels, they also provide patient dosimeter information on healthcare level countries.