Radiation Doses and Radiological Risks Associated with Radiodiagnostic Examinations at a Tertiary Institutional Hospital, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The benefits of conventional x-rays imaging procedures in diagnostic radiology cannot be overemphasized despite modern advances in imaging technologies. This is because millions of conventional radiographs are produced annually in attempts to carry out diagnosis; however, like other fields of human endeavor, it has its attendant risks. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate radiation doses and radiological risks associated with radiodiagnostic examinations at a tertiary institutional hospital in Ondo State, Nigeria, using appropriate standard techniques. This study examined the quality control test of the facility used at our institution, the dose delivered to patients during examinations, and the level of risks arising from the imaging. During the quality control tests, the mean filtration factor of 0.81 recorded is greater than the recommended limit of 0.75. This implies that there is adequate beam filtration; however, tube potential requires a little adjustment to enhance the quality image and optimized dose. The results of ESD for adult patients showed that the values in the following procedures: Chest AP/PA, Lumbar LAT, Knee AP/LAT, Thoracic Spine AP, and Abdominal AP are less than HPA (UK) and Canada published data. Additionally, the ESDs received by pediatrics in Head AP and Abdomen AP/PA are lower than the published values measured in Ethiopia (Jimma and Addis Ababa). The results of effective doses (for adults) recorded in Lumbosacral LAT, Cervical Spine AP, Thoracic Spine, Abdominal AP, and Hip are lower than the published values from Canada, the UK, and Serbia. Results of the inherent risk descriptions indicate that Chest AP/PA for adults and pediatrics have minimal risks (1 in 100,000), while other examinations such as Head AP, Lumbosacral LAT, Cervical Spine, Thoracic Spine, Abdomen AP, and Hip indicate negligible risks (1 in 1 million). Results presented indicate that the risks are to a greater extent negligible, but there is room for improvement in the practice.