Earticle

초록

영어

Background: Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are integral to optimizing the patient dose in diagnostic radiology, and yet data for low- and middle-income countries are limited. Here, we propose the first Ghanan national DRLs (NDRLs) for selected radiographic procedures, aiming to enhance dose standardization and patient safety. Materials and Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional dosimetry survey of 41 radiologic systems reviewed eight frequently performed examinations across 7,643 adult patients. An indirect method based on X-ray tube output measurements and technical exposure factors was used to evaluate entrance surface dose in those patients. The 75th percentile of each facility’s median entrance surface dose for each examination/projection was proposed as the NDRL. The resulting NDRLs were compared with international NDRLs to assess dose variability and levels against global standards. Results and Discussion: The proposed NDRLs are chest posterior–anterior (PA, 0.36 mGy), chest lateral (LAT, 0.97 mGy), pelvis anterior–posterior (AP, 2.77 mGy), skull AP/PA (2.00 mGy), skull LAT (1.75 mGy), lumbar spine AP (3.64 mGy), lumbar spine LAT (7.12 mGy), and abdomen AP (2.44 mGy). Although doses sometimes varied across facilities, particularly in high-attenuation procedures such as lumbar spine LAT, the chest PA values aligned closely with the international references. The results highlight the need to optimize imaging protocols and equipment performance and to invest in modern imaging equipment with advanced dose reduction capabilities to augment patient dose optimization initiatives in Ghana. Conclusion: We propose Ghana’s first NDRLs for general radiography procedures to guide national dose optimization efforts. Implementing these NDRLs would help to standardize imaging protocols, minimize patient exposures, and bolster diagnostic efficacy. Ongoing collaboration between regulatory authorities, healthcare facilities, and researchers is essential to implement and ensure sustained improvements in patient radiologic safety.

목차

ABSTRACT
Introduction
Materials and Methods
1. Study Design and Sites
2. Participants and Examinations
3. Dosimetry Measurements and NDRL Estimation
Results and Discussion
1. X-Ray Systems
2. Patient Demographics
3. Exposure Parameters and Examinations
4. ESD Distribution
5. Proposed NDRLs
6. Dose Variation by HVL Compliance Relative to the National Distribution
7. Equipment Age and System-Level ESD Performance Relative to the Proposed NDRLs
8. Recommendations
Conclusion
Article Information
References

키워드

저자

• Daniel Abbeyquaye [ Department of Medical Physics, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Radiation Safety Department, Clinical Physics, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom ] Corresponding Author
• Stephen Inkoom [ Department of Medical Physics, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; 3Radiation Protection and Consultancy Centre, Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana ]
• Shirazu Issahaku [ Department of Medical Physics, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Medical Radiation Physics Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana ]
• Theresa Bebaaku Dery [ Department of Medical Physics, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Medical Radiation Physics Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana ]
• David Ebo Anderson [ Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, Ghana ]
• Van Wellington Elloh [ Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, Ghana ]

참고문헌

발행기관

간행물

표지보기 관심저널 등록

• 간행물명

  방사선방어학회지 [Journal of Radiation Protection and Research]

• 간기

  계간

• pISSN

  2508-1888

• 수록기간

  1976~2026

• 등재여부

  KCI 등재,SCOPUS

• 십진분류

  KDC 559 DDC 629