Assessment of Occupational Exposure in Some Radiology Departments in Ghana.

Abstract: Introduction: Medical workers account for about 75% of all workers exposed to ionizing radiation; therefore, occupational radiation protection is still a challenge in clinical practices and, consequently, measures should be put in place to optimize radiation in clinical practice. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the occupational radiation dose for staff in some selected radiology departments in Ghana as a precursor for optimization studies. Methods: A total of 68 occupationally exposed workers (OEWs) radiation dose history for 5 facilities have been analyzed. This study is a retrospective study that involves the assessment of the dose records of occupational exposed workers in five radiology departments in the Greater Accra region of Ghana from the Radiation Protection Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) dose records history. The OEWs included in the study were radiographers/technologists, radiologist, physicians, medical physicists, and nurses. These records were collected and assessed for a period of 5 years (2019-2023). TLDs are worn under the lead aprons to estimate Hp (10) or deep dose and on aprons for Hp (0.07) or skin dose. Results: A total of 68 OEWs' dose histories for 5 facilities have been analyzed. It was observed that the average annual effective dose for all workers throughout the study period ranged from 0.29 ± 0.07 mSv to 0.41 ± 0.05 mSv. The variations in the mean annual dose for the OEWs for the facilities in the study could be due to the number of OEWs that were monitored and the type and quantity of equipment at the facility during the year under review. Conclusion: The occupational radiation dose for OEWs in some selected radiological departments in Ghana have been evaluated. The facility with the highest number of OEWs recorded relatively higher mean annual effective dose. The annual effective doses were lesser than the yearly occupational dose limit of 20 mSv as recommended by national and international guidelines.