A RADIATION SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF X-RAY DIAGNOSTIC UNITS IN S.M.S HOSPITAL JAIPUR: AN INSTITUTIONAL STUDY

The aim of a quality assurance (QA) program is to assist a radio-diagnostic facility in consistently obtaining adequate radiological information with a minimum of dose and a minimum of cost. An integrated part of a quality assurance program is quality control (QC) in which a series of examinations and checks on equipment performance are undertaken, so that any changes can be objectively monitored and remedies made. The main objective of the present work was to carry out an independent audit of the important features of QA tests and radiation safety parameters in medical X-ray installations, which would reflect the safety status and to assess the regulatory requirements of the safety code. We conducted a radiological safety and quality assurance audit of 32 medical X-ray diagnostic machines installed in SMS hospital, Jaipur. A QA kit consisting of a kVp test meter, ionization chamber-based radiation survey meter and other standard accessories were used for the required measurements. The study mainly covered eight quality control checks that is accuracy check of accelerating potential (kVp), linearity of tube current (mA station)and timer, congruence of radiation and optical field, and total filtration, beam alignment, focal spot size, leakage radiation survey, and beam out. The status test is carried out in order to establish the functional status of the equipments. They operated and functioned correctly and prevented movement when activated. All measured values were well within the tolerance limit.