Analysis of Radiation Exposure Tests in the Covid-19 Isolation Room of the Karawang Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: WHO has declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a global pandemic. The Indonesian government stated that COVID-19 was a national disaster. Objective: Conduct a radiation exposure examination for the workplace area around the isolation room for COVID-19 at Kerawang Hospital. This examination ensures radiation safety, which is then used as an evaluation material to improve radiation safety. Methods: Descriptive study with direct measurements in the COVID-19 isolation room with measurement points in several treatment rooms frequently examined chest X-rays. Calculation of the exposure test by calculating the measured value minus the background value then multiplying the calibration factor. Results and Discussion: Measurement of radiation exposure test was carried out in 3 locations, namely in the emergency covid x-ray room, room 107, and room 112. The measurement results from the emergency COVID-19 x-ray room showed that the exposure to the parking area was 0.13 μSv. Measurements from room 107 obtained exposure in the changing room for nurses of 0.113 μSv / h, Nurse Station of 0.063 μSv / h, and the doctor’s room of 0.149 μSv /h. For measurements from room 112, radiation exposure in the anteroom room was 0.205 μSv /h, Nurse Station was 0.123 μSv /h, and the doctor’s room was 0.183 μSv /h. Thus, the radiation exposure tests in several locations in the COVID-19 isolation room at the Karawang Hospital were below 0.25 μSv /h for the general public or were declared safe. Conclusions and suggestions: The results of radiation exposure tests in several locations of the COVID-19 isolation room at Karawang Hospital are still within safe limits, carried out to provide safety and comfort for doctors and paramedics working in their respective workspaces and working in the covid room area both in terms of safety in dealing with patients or from radiation safety.