An Investigation on Radiation Protection and Shielding Properties of 16 Slice Computed Tomography (CT) Facilities

Abstract

One of the fundamental principles of radiation protection is distance factor. In CT facilities maximum dose occurs near gantry and dose rate is decreases by distance. To know the rate of reduction of the amount of dose that distance is very important for radiation protection procedure especially for apply criterias of International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) on radiation protection. This technical study aimed to investigate the backscattered dose amount from 16 Slice CT devices for verification of radiation protection measures in several CT facilities and also to evaluate the shielding properties of walls of operating room and patient waiting room. This technical study has been performed in Goztepe Education and Research Hospital, Umraniye Education and Research Hospital, Haydarpasa Education and Research Hospital, Beykoz Education and Research Hospital and Sancaktepe Education and Research Hospital, respectively. In this study, we measured the dose rates from the gantry until exit door and behind the door. The results showed that, backscattered dose amount has been decreased by distance. We obtained only background radiation in radiographer room and patient waiting room.  The results showed also that radiation protection requirements are maximized in investigated hospitals. It can be concluded that, recent method can be applied for various CT facilities for optimum radiation protection studies which also in discussion with ICRP and IAEA for better radiation protection and shielding in radiology clinics.