Evaluation of Quality Control Standards in Medical Diagnostic X-Ray Facilities in North-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

A strong QC program is required to optimize diagnostic radiology practices with minimal hazards not only to the patient but also to the radiographers. This research aims to evaluate the level of quality control programs in medical diagnostic X-ray facilities in the Northeastern region of Nigeria. Data from10 different tertiary hospitals were collated and analyzed. The assessment covers kVp accuracy, reproducibility, mAs linearity, and beam alignment. The kVp station was kept at the ranges of 70 -120, and three different exposures were made, while the tolerance limits were set at; kVp = ±5%, mAs linearity coefficient (LC) ≤ 10%, and beam alignment = ≤ 2%. Findings of the study discovered significant variations across the 10 studied X-ray units. The results indicate that six units (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10) consistently met the acceptable standards for kVp reproducibility, mAs linearity, and beam alignment, as their coefficient of variation (CV%) and error% were all below 2.0, while their mAs linearity coefficients remained under the 10% threshold. Additionally, their beam alignment tolerance limits fell within the recommended limit of 2%. However, the results indicate that four X-ray units (2, 4, 6, and 9) failed the X-ray checks, as their kVp reproducibility exceeded the acceptable limit of 5%, mAs linearity coefficients surpassed10%, and their beam alignment exceeded the recommended tolerance limit of 2%. Also, the results revealed a strong correlation between machine lifespan and quality control performance. The study concluded by suggesting regular calibration of radiological equipment’s and areas for future work.