Assessment of some selected conventional diagnostic x-ray facilities at Cape-Coast in the Central Region of Ghana

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to assess some of the factors affecting on quality assurance of some conventional X-ray facilities such as reproducibility of tube voltage, dose output, X-ray tube consistency, accuracy of kVp, and half value layer. Examinations of these factors were studied using noninvasive kV meter of RMI 24A Multi-function meter. The quality assurance tests of X-ray diagnostic examination are measured and compared with the international tolerance. The half value layer of the radiation beam is an essential component of the assessment program. It is a measure of the beam hardness which relates to the type and thickness of shielding required in the facility and it also determines to a reasonable extent how much soft radiation is present in a beam. This soft radiation is absorbed in the surface tissue and results in unnecessary radiation being absorbed by the patient. In addition, it also contributes to unnecessary scatter within the patient which detracts from the desired image. The half value layer of a machine should not change for the lifetime of a machine unless someone removes the filter and as such it should be measured at least during the installation of a new machine