Assessment of Radiation Protection Status of the Radiology Departments of Two Selected Secondary Hospitals in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

During the operation of x-ray machines, the radiology personnel and individuals in the patients’ waiting area and others in adjacent spaces may inadvertently be exposed to harmful doses of ionizing radiation. This radiation exposure can stem from tube leakage or scattered radiation during patient imaging procedures. The risk is particularly heightened in areas where protective barriers are insufficient. This study examines the levels of secondary radiation in two (2) busy radiology departments of secondary health facilities in Kano metropolis. Utilizing a Radiation Alert Ranger Multi-Purpose Digital Survey Meter, secondary radiation doses were measured at various locations, including the control panel, changing room, patient waiting area, protected cubicle, dark room/digitizer, and radiographer’s office. The results indicated significant variations in radiation exposure, with the highest measurement being 22.653 μSv/h in the changing room at Hospital ‘B’, and the lowest being 0.011 μSv/h in the patient waiting area at hospital ‘A’. Background radiation levels ranged from 0.077 to 0.203 μSv/h, with the highest levels recorded in the CT unit at Hospital ‘B’. The study emphasizes the critical need for continuous monitoring and stringent control of radiation exposure to ensure the safety of medical staff and the general public. Recommendations include the use of purpose-designed diagnostic room, instituting a valid quality assurance program, installation and use of efficient equipment, proper maintenance by trained personnel, adherence to standardized procedures, and robust shielding measures. These findings underscore the importance of regular inspections and improvements in radiation protection protocols within medical facilities.在X射线机（X-ray machines）运行过程中，放射科医护人员、患者等候区人员及邻近区域的其他人员可能会意外遭受有害剂量的电离辐射照射。此类辐射暴露可源于患者成像过程中的射线管泄漏或散射辐射。在防护屏障不足的区域，该风险尤为突出。本研究针对卡诺都会区内两家繁忙的二级医疗机构放射科的次生辐射水平展开调研。本研究使用辐射警报游侠（Radiation Alert Ranger）多功能数字辐射测量仪，在多个点位开展次生辐射剂量测量，涵盖控制台、更衣室、患者等候区、防护诊疗隔间、暗室/数字化仪及放射技师办公室。测量结果显示辐射暴露水平存在显著差异：最高值为B医院更衣室的22.653微希沃特每小时（μSv/h），最低值为A医院患者等候区的0.011 μSv/h。本底辐射水平介于0.077至0.203 μSv/h之间，其中B医院计算机断层扫描（CT）单元的本底辐射水平最高。本研究强调，需持续开展辐射监测并严格管控辐射暴露，以保障医护人员与公众的安全。研究提出如下建议：采用专用诊断用房、建立有效的质量保证体系、配备并使用高效的辐射防护设备、由专业人员开展规范维护、严格遵循标准化操作流程，以及落实强化型屏蔽防护措施。上述研究结果凸显了医疗机构定期开展辐射防护规程检查与优化的重要性。