Estimation of Diagnostic Reference Level for Lumbar Spine X- Ray Procedures in Some Radiological Facilities in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

The worldwide increase in the use of radiation in diagnostic radiology practice has increased the need for organizations that deal with radiation protection to focus on improving patient protection. The essential aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic reference level for lumbar spine anterior posterior in some radiological facilities in Abuja metropolis, Nigeria. This study was performed to assess the values of entrance surface air kerma via indirect method for 87 adult patients whom their ages ranged between 19 to 75 years that underwent lumbar spine X-ray examination in six diagnostic radiology centres. The age of patients ranged from 20 to 60yrs; their weight ranged from 46 to 90 Kg, while the height of patients ranged from 1.4 to 1.8 m. The mean entrance surface air kerma for centres A, B, C, E and F were 2.41mGy, 2.39mGy, 2.75mGy, 2.91mGy and 2.67mGy respectively while the determined diagnostic reference level was 2.83mGy. This indicates improvement in optimization of patients’ doses when compared to established international reference levels. Keywords: Entrance surface air kerma, diagnostic reference level, lumbar spine X- ray examination and radiological facilities DOI: 10.7176/APTA/86-04 Publication date: October 31 st 2022