Experiences with the European guidelines on quality criteria for radiographic images in Tanzania.

W E Muhogora,A M Nyanda,R R Kazema

doi:10.1120/jacmp.v2i4.2601

W E Muhogora, A M Nyanda + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1120/jacmp.v2i4.2601

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Abstract

Objective assessment of the quality of radiographic images is practically a difficult task and protocols that address this problem are few. In 1996, the European union published nearly objective image quality criteria to unify the practices in Europe. However, experience with these criteria in countries of lower health care levels is little documented. As a case study in Tanzania, we present the general performance of European guidelines in some Tanzanian hospitals to a total of 200 radiographs obtained from some common x‐ray examinations. The results show that more than 70% of chest (PA), lumbar spine (AP), and pelvis AP radiographs passed the quality criteria, while the performance of lumbar spine LAT x‐ray examinations was about 50% and therefore less satisfactory. The corresponding mean entrance dose to the patient for specified x‐ray techniques was of range 0.08–0.56 mGy, 3.1–7.7 mGy, 2.53–5.4 mGy, and 4.0–16.78 mGy for chest PA, lumbar spine AP, pelvis AP and lumbar spine LAT x‐ray examinations, respectively. Although a good number of observers were not well familiar to the guidelines, the quality criteria have been found useful and their adoption in the country recommended. The need to provide relevant education and training to staff in the radiology departments is of utmost importance.PACS number(s): 87.57.–s, 87.52.–g

Highlights

Despite a small but increasing hazard of diagnostic x-rays to human beings,[1,2] studies aimed at achieving low patient doses with sufficient image quality have continued to be the area of research interest
In attempts to address the problem on dose reduction without affecting the patient care, a research on radiation protection in diagnostic radiology was initiated in Tanzania
The number of poor scores led in lumbar spine LAT projections53%͒ followed by pelvis AP x-ray examinations28%͒

Summary

Introduction

Despite a small but increasing hazard of diagnostic x-rays to human beings,[1,2] studies aimed at achieving low patient doses with sufficient image quality have continued to be the area of research interest. The European union has published a set of nearly objective guidelines for good radiographic techniques and the corresponding level of the image quality.[5] The guidelines have proved to be a useful tool to unify the practices in Europe. In attempts to address the problem on dose reduction without affecting the patient care, a research on radiation protection in diagnostic radiology was initiated in Tanzania. A study on film rejects rate analysis revealed varying radiographic techniques and skillspositioning, centering, tube voltage, and tube current-time product selection, as well as patient

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