Assessment of Occupational Exposure Among Diagnostic Radiology Workers in King Faisal Medical Complex in Taif City - Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Radiographic imaging is extremely valuable as a diagnostic tool in medicine, but ionizing radiation poses hazards for health-care providers as well as patients in health-care facilities (HCFs). Occupational radiation exposure can occur due to various human activities, including the use of radiation in medicine. Radiation exposure from diagnostic X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan carry well-known potential risks. Personnel and radiation safety monitoring is an important safety precaution in the practice of radiography. The study aimed to assess the occupational radiation exposure and safety protection among medical staff in HCFs in the Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study compares the occupational radiation dose levels for all radiation workers in King Faisal Medical Complex in Taif City of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia over four years. The occupational exposure was quantified using thermoluminescence dosimeters. The study results concludes that the occupational radiation doses to all workers during the four years period were below the limits set by the ICRP recommendations. The measured annual effective doses for workers were found to be 0.39 mSv. 

Keywords: Radiation Dose; Dose limits; Occupational exposure; Personal dosimetry; Radiology; TLD.