RESUMEN
This preliminary study aims towards the establishment of regional diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for routine adult computed tomography (CT) examinations. The study was performed on 54 CT facilities from four African countries (Ghana, Kenya, Namibia and Senegal) and the results compared with international DRLs. Data were collected from facilities using a structured questionnaire provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Dose descriptors (volume computed tomography dose index [CTDIvol] and dose length product [DLP]) evaluations were performed on CT head and body phantoms for head, chest and abdomen CT examination protocols using standard methods. The estimated dose indices were compared with console-displayed dose values. Experienced radiologists accepted the diagnostic image quality of the images as per departmental imaging requirements. Median CTDIvol and DLP data from each facility were compiled to estimate the typical dose in each country. National DRLs were established based on the 75th percentile of median values, whereas the regional DRLs were based on the median of the national DRLs. Comparison of measured CTDIvol with console values of all facilities in all four countries was within 20% as recommended. The established CTDIvol DRLs for head CT, chest CT and abdomen CT were 60.9 mGy, 15.2 mGy and 15.7 mGy, respectively. Similarly, that of DLP, DRLs were 1259 mGy.cm, 544 mGy.cm and 737 mGy.cm, respectively for head CT, chest CT and abdomen CT. The established DRLs from this study were comparable to DRLs from other countries with some variations. This study would serve as baseline for establishment of a more generalized regional adult CT DRLs for Africa.
Asunto(s)
Niveles de Referencia para Diagnóstico , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Ghana , Dosis de Radiación , Valores de Referencia , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Patient safety should be considered in the use of ionising radiation equipment in medicine. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) establishes standards of safety and provides for the application of these standards, also in the area of medical use of radiation. Equipment acceptability, as it relates to radiation in medicine, is the need to satisfy the requirements or standards prior to the use of the device in patient imaging or treatment. Through IAEA activities in establishing and developing Safety Standards, Safety Reports and recommendations to regulatory authorities and end-users, it encourages the adoption of acceptability criteria that are relevant to the medical equipment and its use.