Investigation of Image Quality and Patient Doses in X-Ray Diagnostic Radiology in Zimbabwe

Abstract

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to estimate patient doses in conventional radiography and corresponding image quality in Zimbabwe, as part of an International Atomic energy Agency (IAEA) project (RAF/9/033). Three government hospitals and 5 private centers were selected with a total of 20 X-ray machines. Films were graded for a week at the radiographer and radiologist level. A radiologist was asked to assign A, B, C grade to films (A- clearly accepted without any remarks, B- accepted with some remarks and C- rejected). Quality Control (QC) was done including film processing and viewing areas. The QC included: 1) kVp consistency, 2) output linearity, 3) beam quality, 4) viewing box illumination and 5) darkroom tests. After QC and possible corrective actions, film grading was repeated. Results before QC and after QC were analyzed. Patient doses were determined in terms of Entrance Surface Air-Kerma (ESAK) for the following X-ray examinations: 1) Lumbar spine (L/S) AP and LAT, 2) Abdomen, 3) Pelvis, 4) Chest PA, 5) Skull AP and LAT. Patient doses were reevaluated after QC and corrective actions. There was image quality improvement from category B and C to category A after QC (1-12%). ESAKs in this study were much lower than IAEA GL for all examinations investigated.KeywordsRadiographypatient doseoptimization