Application of Radiation Protection of Patients in Medical Diagnostic Radiology (Case of Public Hospitals, Fianarantsoa District, Haute Matsiatra Region, Madagascar)

Abstract

To strengthen patient radiation protection and control of medical exposure, in the Haute Matsiatra region, Fianarantsoa District, Madagascar, we have carried out a study to develop a protocol for dose assessment in diagnostic radiology in order to ensure good radiological practice. In this region, no studies have ever been done in their radiology department. The patient entrance dose (De) is one of the basic dosimetric quantities for measuring the dose delivered to the patients. Therefore, to assess the patient entrance dose (De), we have chosen two hospitals such as the Andrainjato University Hospital Center (CHUA) and the Tambavao University Hospital Center (CHUT). We have chosen four most requested radilogicals examinations (Skull, Thorax, abdomen and pelvis) and we have evaluated the entrance doses of patient and we have compared the result found to the Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL) recommended by the IAEA for each examination. We found that, the average doses delivered to the patients during their radiographic examinations, were below the reference doses recommended by the IAEA. For this comparison carried out in these two hospitals, we can be confirmed that the values obtained can be useful for the application of regulations on the patient radiation protection and the control of medical exposure in Fianarantsoa.