Common X-ray machine quality control in hospitals affiliated with Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences

Introduction and Aims: Diagnostic Radiology has the largest share in the artificial ionizing radiation sources in the society. One of the most important factors in reducing radiation dose is quality control and ensuring the quality and performance of radiology devices.Quality control is conducted to produce high-quality radiographic images with minimum radiation dose. Materials and Methods: Ten normal X-ray machines in 5 hospitals affiliated to Kurdistan university of Medical Sciences were studied. Then, 10 standard test of quality control were conducted based on the protocol recommended by the 74 report (quality control standards) American Association of Medical Physics (AAMP) and Report No. 103 of the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP). Finally, data were statistically evaluated and the percentage of error of each parameter was compared with existing standards. Results: In some devices the overall filtration parameters’ error and voltage accuracy was higher than acceptable range and needed to be reformed. Also, in some devices the percentage of parameter error of radiation field compliance and light field was more than acceptable range based on the existing standards. Some devices in the province had boundary and threshold error. Conclusion: According to the recommendations of the Commission on Radiation Protection and Medical Physics Society of America, most of the parameters of the devices in question were in agreement with existing standards and were in acceptable rang

Evaluation of level of knowledge, attitude and performance of Radiologists in Sanandaj city regarding radiation protection in 2014

Abstract Background & Aim: Radiographic tests are used to diagnose various types of diseases, but they are potentially dangerous for patients and radiographers who work in radiology departments. These risks are minimized if the protective measures are observed. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and the performance of radiographers working in the radiological departments of Sanandaj city with regard to radiation protection guidelines. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was carried out using a 30-item questionnaire completed by all radiographers working in Radiology Centers in Sanandaj. The questionnaire included demographic information and questions about the level of knowledge, attitude and performance of radiologists on radiation protection. The data of the questionnaire was analyzed using SPSS18 and descriptive statistics including absolute frequency, relative frequency, mean, standard deviation, range, knowledge, performance, and attitude of the radiologists with gender and degree, age group and work experience. Results: The rate of participation of radiographers was 94.16%, and the mean and standard deviation of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding radiation protection were 20.65±2.725, 16.59± 2.09, 592.22, 11.43±1. The mean and standard deviation of age and work experience were 34.19±7, 158, 9.96±931.3, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that with increasing age and reduction of educational degree, the knowledge and awareness of the radiographers with regard to radiation protection was reduced and also there was a direct relation between the knowledge and awareness of the radiographers and their performance in the field of radiation protection. &nbsp