Assessment of Diagnostic Radiology Facilities Technical Radiation Protection Requirements in KSA

Abstract

The national regulatory body in the state regulates the source of ionizing radiation such as diagnostic radiology to minimize exposure to the operators and the patients. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (KSA-SFDA) cover all medical regulatory aspects of ionizing radiation such as diagnostic X-ray facilities for all practices and intervention requirements. The study presents an assessment and analysis of the level of technical radiation protection requirements and the status of applying the national regulatory standards for different diagnostic facilities in KSA. Based on the online scientific recent database published in the field of radiation protection regulations and dose assessment for diagnostic radiology in KSA, and from the data published by the KSA-SFDA report in 2015. About 109 diagnostic X-ray facilities were selected from 35 governorates distributed in the kingdom. More than 95% of the examined facilities were in good condition concerning the national radiological protection technical regulation. About 11.9% of the facilities had a radiation leakage or cracks in the wall of the X-ray room/entrance door of the room. 16.5% of the facilities did not have a radiation warning sign written in Arabic/English languages. About 21.9% of the operators did not use any personal radiation dosimeter such as TLD or OSL. More than 40.7% of those facilities do not keep a record of the personal dosimeter reading at their facilities. Only 11.1% of the examined facilities do not have any personal protective tools such as a lead apron or thyroid shield. About 38.2% of the examined facilities do not carry out the annual periodic maintenance for the used X-ray machines at those facilities. From the obtained results, it was concluded that the majority of the radiation protection, radiation safety requirements and physical security measures undertaken in these facilities were in good implementation of the national and international technical regulations. The study suggests a need to apply for a quality control test procedures program regularly at those facilities.