Survey of image quality and patient dose in simple radiographic examinations in Madagascar: Initial results

Abstract

In the first ever survey of patient doses in Madagascar, image quality and patient doses were evaluated in 3 rooms of 2 hospitals in Madagascar as part of an International Atomic energy Agency (IAEA) project (RAF/9/033) using protocols and instructions by IAEA experts. Corrective actions were taken mainly in terms of field size and exposure parameters adjustment and data were recollected. Image quality improved in all 3 rooms (increase: 2-35%). Dose reductions in the range of 1 to 66% in terms of ESAK were found in different examinations investigated. The max reduction was found in chest examination. The comparison with IAEA guidance levels (GL) showed that patient doses (ESAK values) are lower than international values except for chest exam in one of the rooms of the hospital. Actions are being taken to extend measurements to a national level in the near future. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.