Occupational radiation exposure among diagnostic radiology workers in the Saudi ministry of health hospitals and medical centers: A five-year national retrospective study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo measure and establish a baseline for the annual mean occupational radiological dose for diagnostic radiology workers in Saudi Arabia. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on the effective radiation doses using Thermoluminescent dosimeters for diagnostic radiology workers in Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2019. They were employed in 412 Saudi Ministry of Health hospitals and medical centers. The diagnostic radiology workers in this study are radiological technologists, radiologists, and medical assistants. ResultsThe study population contained 45,152 diagnostic radiology workers (58% male and 42% female). The annual mean effective doses were found to be 0.88 ± 0.002 mSv. Also, 95% of the workers received a radiation exposure dose below 1.60 mSv. The majority of the workers’ effective doses (55%) were frequently laid out between 0.50 and 1.00 mSv. An increase in the collective and mean effective doses have been observed during the study period, with a statistically significant time trend in the mean dose. ConclusionsDuring the study period, there was no incidence of an occupational dose exceeding the annual regulatory limits of 20 mSv or the investigation level I. This indicates good implementation of the radiation protection protocols in compliance with ICRP recommendations. However, enhancements in radiation protection practices should be applied for further dose reduction by supplying hospitals and medical centers with the necessary protective equipment.