HOW EFFICIENT ARE THE LEAD APRONS USED FOR RADIATION PROTECTION IN OUR HOSPITALS?

CHIEGWU; Hyacienth Uche; UGWUANYI; Daniel Chimuanya; OKEJI; Mark C; ONWUGALU; Ebube

Volume : VIII, Issue : II, February - 2018

HOW EFFICIENT ARE THE LEAD APRONS USED FOR RADIATION PROTECTION IN OUR HOSPITALS?

Chiegwu, Hyacienth Uche, Ugwuanyi, Daniel Chimuanya, Okeji, Mark C, Onwugalu, Ebube

Abstract :

Background of the study: X–rays are useful in medical care but careless uses of x–rays are harmful. One method of radiation protection is the use of structurally intact lead apron gowns.

Purpose of the study: This study aimed at evaluating the protective efficiency of the lead aprons used at the radiology department of a tertiary health institution in Anama State of Nigeria.and correlate the transmittance, absorbed dose and transmission efficiency of the aprons with KVps.

Materials and Method: Nine (9) protective lead aprons of different type/make, lead equivalent and length of use were evaluated. Fluoroscopy and conventional x–rays were used. A pile of plastic foam was used to simulate a patient. Exposures were made using different KVp, mAs, focus Film distance settings. The lead apron being tested was hung close to the x–ray couch in a position that would be taken by a patient’s relation aiding in the x–ray investigation. A dosimeter placed at a height above the x–ray couch (in front and back of the apron in turn) was used to measure the quantity of scattered radiation incident on the apron and the quantity transmitted through the aprons respectively. The efficiency of the aprons was calculated as the ratio of transmitted beam intensity to the incident beam intensity. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.

Results: Physical examination showed that 7 (77.78%) of the aprons were good but qualitative assessment showed that only 4(44.4%) of the lead aprons were in good condition. The efficiency of lead aprons increases with the KVp and decreases with lead thickness

Conclusion: Physical examination and qualitative assessment are important for evaluation of lead aprons. Radiology departments should ensure that lead suitable are used.for KVp settings on their x–ray equipments.