Radiation Safety Assessment of Medical X-Ray Installations at Gazipur District City in Bangladesh

The X-ray is an important tool for diagnosis of diseases as well as therapy. The majority of X-ray machines in Bangladesh are of the traditional type at the district level, however technologically advanced X-ray equipment are now on the increasing. Radiation protection and safety challenges are also becoming a major concern in the medical field as the number of X-ray machines increases. In the current study, the radiation safety infrastructure of 40 diagnostic X-ray installations is assessed at Gazipur district city in Bangladesh. The main objective of this study is to ensure that all regulatory requirements are being fulfilled by analyzing data on radiation safety and protection matters. It has been observed that in 41% facilities, radiation doses are within regulatory limit which is a matter of concern from regulatory point of view. Majority of the X-ray room sizes are below the required value (225ft2), it is also a great concern from regulatory perspective.74% installations are used lead and brick as shielding material in control panels of X-ray installations which is satisfactory as per regulatory requirements. Overall performance of all x-ray installations has not been found much more satisfactory level from radiological safety point of view. Most of the facilities the personal protective equipment is found in satisfactory condition but the thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) in the facilities are found near satisfactory level. The current study can help Bangladesh in the near future by strengthening the radiation safety infrastructure of all X-ray installations and ensuring efficient regulatory control over the installations.