Study on the performance of recommended standards in the diagnostic radiology units of the hospitals affiliated to the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background and purpose: Access to health care is the basic right of people. Diagnostic radiology is one of the main procedures which appropriate planning and management are essential. Maintenance and supervision of the operating conditions following the recommended standards play a key role in ensuring the benefit of the instruments. Data show that more than 80% of patients referred to hospitals need radiology image. Improper service causes unnecessary duplications of radiation and even wrong diagnosis, as a results threatening health of the patients. Lack of protective barrier leads to the hazardous radiation exposure to the staff and patients. Improper use of radiation instrumentation, such as asymmetry of X-ray field, defects in collimators, lack of adjusting ray field, low quality or defective developing machine, lack of proper protective barrier, low quality film and drugs, can cause severe damage. The purpose of this study was to assess the conditions of radiology units at Mazandaran University hospitals and compare them with the standards of ICRU NCRP and ICRP.

Materials and methods: The following six categories of conditions of radiography centers affiliated to the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences were studied for the types and the rates of deficiency. (1) Conditions of radiography room; (2) Conditions of radiography instruments; (3) Conditions of control room; (4) Conditions of dark room; (5) Conditions of installation; and (6) Conditions of the other facilities.

Results: The results showed that, none of the dark rooms are standard, and do not have proper alarm signal. In 63% of these units there was no tiling system for staff protection from radiation. Defects in radiography room, protective barrier and lack looking rays were 60%, 51% and 47% respectively. Referring to the obtained data, periodic supervision, and obeying of the standards are necessary. Data were collected through, observation, interviewing and questionnaire. The data show that the radiology units are far from the international standards; only about 50% of the conditions on average are satisfactory.

Conclusion: Overall, about 50% of the units are deficient in the six categories, comparing with international standards. The improvement of the conditions is needed.