Compliance level assessment of the recommended standards in the design of privately owned radio diagnostic centers in Anambra State

Abstract

Background: Buildings used for radio-diagnostic purposes are expected to satisfy a certain radiation safety measures, however, the privately owned radio-diagnostic facilities in Anambra State are not purpose built. Objective: To evaluate the building design and layout of diagnostic x-ray rooms of privately owned radio-diagnostic facilities in Anambra State against the internationally recommended standards. Methodology: The building designs of all privately owned radio-diagnostic facilities registered with the ministry of health, Anambra State were assessed by measuring the x-ray room sizes, distances between the x-ray tubes and the control consoles, and the wall thicknesses using a well calibrated meter rule. Presence of lead lining on the walls and doors of the diagnostic rooms were noted and their thickness measured. Results: The studied centers showed 14 (70%) compliance to NNRA recommended x-ray room size (16m2). A total of 12 (60%) of the studied centers were in compliant with x-ray tube to console distance (≥ 1 meter) whereas 14(70 %) of the centers complied on the use of minimum of 2mm thickness of lead for wall lining. Conclusion: The designs and outlay of privately owned radio-diagnostic facilities in Anambra State are in compliance with recommended standards.There was however no significant difference in the level of compliance among the studied parameters (p<0.05).