SHIELDING EVALUATION OF RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENTS OF SELECTED HOSPITALS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

In medical institution where there is x-ray installation, the general public, patients, and medical staff that carry out radiography procedures are likely to receive significant radiation doses to their hands and other parts of their bodies not covered with protective equipment. The radiation doses received, overtime will gradually affect the cells and organs of their bodies thereby causing unforeseen ailments. An evaluation of the shielding barrier in two selected hospitals were carried out for the general radiography rooms.  The ratio of the calculated to the design shielded barrier thickness indicated that the areas less than or equal to one have adequate shielding barrier and are within the recommended level. Those areas greater than one are above the recommended level, which may require re-enforcement in case of increase in workload in the nearest future. The results calculated and that of the design shielded barrier thickness were obtained. For hospital A, Console Room 1 (0.0408), Console Room 2 (0.1993), Toilet (0.7010), Darkroom (0.0940), Changing Room 1 (0.0544), Changing Room 2 (0.2053) Door 1 (1.1326) and Door 2 (3.7857). For hospital B changing room (4.0714), Console (0.204) Door (0.000), Shelf (1.9081) and reception (0.520). The shielding barrier thickness calculated from the XRAYBARR was compared with design dose limit and the design shielding barriers thickness of some areas were found to be unsafe for hospitals A and B. This implies that the patients, staff, and the general public stand a great risk of health hazard. Hence an effective quality Assessment program should be put in place