Artefactual Behaviour of Fluid in Radiographic Darkroom Practice

Background: Before the advent of computed and digital radiography, radiographs were processed in a lighttight darkroom. In spite of advancement in technology which enables film processing without the intermediary of the conventional darkroom, many radiographic centres worldwide, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, still carry out darkroom processing. Liquid chemicals are involved, and their misuse may result in artefacts on the processed radiographs. Objective: To investigate the artefactual abilities of common darkroom fluids on x-ray films (unprocessed) and radiographs (processed) in a centre transiting from darkroom to computed radiography.Methods: A total of five thousand, five hundred (5,500) radiographs produced between January to June 2013, and retrieved from the archive were scrutinized retrospectively, with the aid of a viewing box until those withfluid-induced artefacts were identified and isolated. The nature, grayscale appearance and origin of artefacts were arrived at by consensus of the researchers and documented. Divergence in opinion or ambiguous artefacts was resolved through darkroom simulations. Data was analyzed with a simple calculator. Results: Sixty-one (1.1 %) radiographs with fluid-induced artefacts were noted. Developer caused black artefacts while fixer, water and grease all caused different hue of grey artefacts. Only grease caused artefacts after processing whereas other fluids were inert on them. Water-induced artefacts, as a result of stuck films in the automatic processor had the highest frequency (n = 21; 34.4 %) while water-bed artefact was rare (n = 1; 2 %). The stages at which artefacts were introduced were noted as pre-processing, processing and postprocessing, respectively.Conclusion: All four investigated darkroom fluids are potential artefactual agents. A knowledge of their distinct characteristics on films and radiographs may help to reduce distractions during reporting, as well as serve as guide to effective remedial actions during subsequent darkroom processing

Mentorship in Radiography: an Indispensable Tool for Sustainable Healthcare Transformation

  Background: The concept of mentorship has gained widespread popularity in literature across different walks of life owing to the significant benefits attached to it. Purpose: This paper intends to discuss the need for mentorship in radiography, as an indispensable tool for a sustainable healthcare transformation, taking clues from other health science disciplines and medicine. Method: Authors reviewed relevant literature on the subject to have an in-depth and updated knowledge both in the health sciences as well as in other disciplines. Search engines such as Google Scholar, My Websearch, and data base such as Science Direct, Hinari, Taylor and Francis and Medknow were consulted. Several articles that discussed mentorship across various disciplines were reviewed. Those with ideas and concepts that fit into the purpose of the study were included. Results: Several definitions and types of mentorship exist across different walks of life based on literature. However, we decided to adopt the definition of mentorship and types of mentorship by Feldman, who defined mentorship as a dynamic, reciprocal relationship in a work environment between an advanced career incumbent and a beginner, aimed at promoting the development of both. The uniform agreement across various disciplines is that mentoring is a crucial component of success. However, its application in radiography is inadequate. Conclusion: In view of the apparent benefits accruable to mentorship globally, stakeholders in radiography should make mentorship a priority, if we must maintain our role in a sustainable healthcare transformation.             &nbsp

Real time sonography as an anatomy teaching aid in undergraduate radiography institutions in Northern Nigeria

Background: Real-time ultrasound scanning is increasing in popularity as a teaching tool for human anatomy because it is non-invasive, offers real-time 3-D anatomy and is cheaper than dissections.Objectives: To assess real-time ultrasound scanning as a teaching method of human anatomy, and to determine what teaching methods radiography students consider effective for understanding human anatomy.Materials and methods: One hundred and ten self-administered, structured and pre-tested questionnaires were distributed to Clinical Radiography students (Third, fourth and fifth year)in Northern Nigeria featuring University of Maiduguri and Bayero University Kano. The questionnaire consists of two sections;Demographics and preferred methods of delivery of anatomical information. Participation was voluntary. Comparisons among teaching methods were made using repeated measures ANOVA.Results: A significant difference among the eight delivery methods with 3-D Radiology imaging being as the most preferred method overall (48.17, p<0.0001) and ultrasound the least (32.48, p<0.0001). With Duncan’s multiple Range test, it is clearly shown that 3-D Radiology imaging differ with mean value(5.2522) followed by Computer programs(5.1292), Anatomic models(4.7593), Laboratory videos(4.5815), textbooks(4.5358), animal dissection(4.2568), lectures(3.2568) and finally ultrasound scan (3.6087), (P<0.0001).Conclusion: 3-D Radiology imaging is the most preferred method of delivering anatomical information and ultrasound scanning is the least preferred method.Keywords: Real time sonography, radiography institutions, Northern Nigeria

A Survey of Structural Design of Diagnostic X-ray Imaging Facilities and Compliance to Shielding Design Goals in a Limited Resource Setting

Purpose: To survey structural designs of x-ray rooms and compliance to shielding design goals of three x-ray imaging facilities. Methods and Materials: The survey was conducted in three radiodiagnostic centers in South East Nigeria, labeled X, Y and Z for anonymity. A stretchable non-elastic meter rule was used to measure x-ray room dimensions. A Vernier caliper was used to measure lead thickness while a calibrated digital survey meter Radalert 100x was used for radiation survey of controlled and uncontrolled areas. Simple statistical tools such as mean and standard deviation were used for analysis with the aid of Microsoft Excel version 2007. Results: Center X had a room dimension of 2.4 m × 2.1 m, Center Y had an x-ray room dimension of 3.6 m × 3.3 m, and Center Z had two x-ray rooms with identical dimensions of 6.3 m × 3.6 m. Measured exit radiation doses for controlled areas in all the centers were: 0.00152 mSv/wk; 0.00496 mSv/wk; 0.00168 mSv/wk; 0.00224 mSv/wk respectively. Lead was the common shielding material used. Conclusion: Based on the parameters studied, Center Z had the ideal room size and layout. Relative distances from the x-ray tubes to the nearest walls were not optimized in all the centers except in Center Z. Measured exit doses were within recommended limits except in Center Y. The location of the control consoles and measured doses were appropriate and within recommended design goals

Establishment of local Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) for radiography examinations in north eastern Nigeria

Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) is an essential optimization tool in radiography and radiological sciences. The objective of the study is to establish DRL for radiography examinations in north eastern Nigeria. A Prospective cross- sectional study conducted in two university teaching hospitals in north eastern Nigeria. Seven hundred and fifty (750) patients were considered for the study. Thermoluminiscent dosimeter (TLD) chips were exposed for each examination. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between the dose and anthropotechnical parameters. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. The DRL for PA chest x-ray and lateral were 0.59 mGy and 1.02 mGy, PA skull x-ray and lateral skull x-ray were 1.02 mGy and 1.01 mGy. The DRL for PA elbow and lateral elbow are 0.57 mGy and 1.77mGy. AP shoulder x-ray and lateral were 0.71 mGy and 0.83 mGy The DRL for dorsi-plantar foot and dorsi-plantar oblique foot were 0.58 mGy and 0.61 mGy .AP dorsal spine x-ray and lateral dorsal spine are 1.03 mGy and 1.09 mGy. AP cervical spine and lateral were 0.62 mGy and0.79 mGy. Lumbosacral spine AP and lateral was 1.22 mGy and 1.59 mGy. AP wrist, lateral wrist, AP knee, lateral knee, Abdominal x-ray, pelvic x-ray, hand dorsi-palmar ,hand dorsi-palmar oblique and dental x-ray were 0.52mGy,0.87mGy, 0.50mGy, 0.50 mGy, 0.91 mGy, 1.01 mGy, 0.82 mGy,0.28 mGy, 0.83 mGy and 0.46 mGy respectively. DRLs in this work recorded lower values compared to international established work. Regular dose optimization etiquette’s are required to ensure good practice.Keywords: Diagnostic reference levels, Radiography, Thermoluminiscent dosimeter, Dental, x-rays, Entrance skin dos

Procjena zahtjeva za snimanje i nalaza na temelju MR slika pacijenata u Državnoj specijalističkoj bolnici Bauchi

Background: MRI plays a vital role in diagnosis of diseases. Objectives: To determine the pattern of imaging requests and findings from MRI scans of patients in the Bauchi State Hospital. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of MRI request forms and findings of 138 patients was conducted from August 2016 to January 2017. MRI scans were performed using a 0.35T Neusoft MRI scanner and reported by a group of consultant radiologists. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics with the computer software SPSS version 22 (IBM, New York, USA). Results: This study revealed that majority of the MRI requests were for lumbosacral spine examinations (n=84, 60.9%), followed closely by MRI of the brain (n=42, 30.4%) and thirdly shoulder and abdomen examinations with a frequency of 4.3% each. Out of 138 MRI scans studied, intervertebral disc prolapse (n=60, 43.5%) was the commonest finding from MRI scans of patients, the second most prevalent finding was L4-L5 degenerative disc disease (n=12, 8.7%). Intramuscular lipoma and basal ganglia edema had a prevalence of 4.3%. Conclusion: The commonest requests were MRI lumbosacral and, in terms of findings, we found intervertebral disc prolapse, L4-L5 degenerative disc disease, basal ganglia edema and intramuscular lipoma as the major findings from MRI scans in Bauchi.Pozadina: MR snimanje ima važnu ulogu kod dijagnosticiranja bolesti. Ciljevi: Odrediti obrazac zahtjeva za snimanje i nalaza na temelju MR slika pacijenata u Državnoj bolnici Bauchi. Metodologija: Prospektivno transverzalno istraživanje obrazaca zahtjeva za MR snimanje i nalaza 138 pacijenata provedeno je od kolovoza 2016. do siječnja 2017. godine. MR slike snimljene su MR skenerom 0.35T Neusoft, a izradila ih je skupina konzultanata radiologa. Podaci su analizirani deskriptivnom statistikom uporabom računalnog programa SPSS, verzija 22 (IBM, New York, SAD). Rezultati: Ovo istraživanje pokazalo je da se većina zahtjeva za MR snimanje odnosila na preglede lumbosakralne kralješnice (n=84, 60,9%), nakon čega slijedi MR mozga (n=42, 30,4%), a zatim pregledi ramena i abdomena (po 4,3% za obje vrste). Od 138 snimljenih MR slika, najčešći nalaz na temelju MR snimanja pacijenata bio je prolaps intervertebralnog diska (n=60, 43,5%), dok je drugi najčešći nalaz bio degenerativna bolest diska L4-L5 (n=12, 8,7%). Intramuskularni lipom i edem bazalnih ganglija imaju prevalenciju od 4,3%. Zaključak: Najčešći zahtjevi odnosili su se na MR snimanje lumbosakralne kralješnice, dok su prolaps intervertebralnog diska, degenerativna bolest diska L4-L5, edem bazalnih ganglija i intramuskularni lipom glavni nalazi na temelju MR snimanja u Bauchiju

Real Time Sonography as an anatomy teaching aid in undergraduate radiography institutions in Northern Nigeria

Background: Real-time ultrasound scanning is increasing in popularity as a teaching tool for human anatomy because it is non-invasive, offers real-time 3-D anatomy and is cheaper than dissections. Objectives: To assess real-time ultrasound scanning as a teaching method of human anatomy, and to determine what teaching methods radiography students consider effective for understanding human anatomy. Materials and methods: One hundred and ten self-administered, structured and pre-tested questionnaires were distributed to Clinical Radiography students (Third, fourth and fifth year)in Northern Nigeria featuring University of Maiduguri and Bayero University Kano. The questionnaire consists of two sections;Demographics and preferred methods of delivery of anatomical information. Participation was voluntary. Comparisons among teaching methods were made using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: A significant difference among the eight delivery methods with 3-D Radiology imaging being as the most preferred method overall (48.17, p<0.0001) and ultrasound the least (32.48, p<0.0001). With Duncan\u2019s multiple Range test, it is clearly shown that 3-D Radiology imaging differ with mean value(5.2522) followed by Computer programs(5.1292), Anatomic models(4.7593), Laboratory videos(4.5815), textbooks(4.5358), animal dissection(4.2568), lectures(3.2568) and finally ultrasound scan (3.6087), (P<0.0001). Conclusion: 3-D Radiology imaging is the most preferred method of delivering anatomical information and ultrasound scanning is the least preferred method. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v19i2.54 Cite as: Umar MS, Zira JD, Ogenyi PA, Njokwu G, Malgwi FD, Silas MA, Laushongo SS. Real time sonography as an anatomy teaching aid in undergraduate radiography institutions in northern Nigeria. Afri Health Sci.2019;19(2): 2282-2289. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v19i2.5