ASSESSMENT PROTECTIVE APRON IN A MEDICAL FACILITY IN ASABA, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Blessing Okeoghene Ijabor, Akintayo Daniel Omojola, Eunan Okechukwu Oparaocha, Oluchi Precious Oliseyem, Sunday Anietimfon, Chekwube Peter Okafor, Juliet Chinenye Nweke, Chidinma Prosper Nwaeke

Abstract


Background: Lead aprons and equivalent lead materials continue to be critical tools in imaging, with the main purpose of absorbing scatter radiation arising from radiological investigations. Objective: The goal of the study is to use a digital X-ray source to look for cracks, tears, and other deformities that might render protective aprons unusable. The study also measured absorbance and transmission factors (TF) among the aprons and compared the results with relevant literature. Methods: By placing the 4 lead equivalent aprons carefully on the machine's table bulky, a digital radiography (DR) X-ray unit was used to image the aprons each. The ionization chamber (IC) was positioned with care at a point in the air, just before the protective apron and behind it, at a source to image distance (SID) of 100 cm, covering a 43 by 43 cm2 beam area at an exposure range of 80-100 kV. Results: The weight and age of the aprons ranged from 4.8 (3-6) kg and 6.3 (3-11) years respectively. The mean absorbance and transmission factor (TF) for apron A-D were 97 and 3 % respectively, with apron B with back protection of 0.25 mm having the least absorbance (95%) and highest TF (5%). The protective aprons were found to be intact, although there were signs of stretched marks on the radiographs, indicating poor handling. Conclusion: The absorbance and TF were comparable to most studies and were found to be adequate. The study reaffirms that the aprons were in good condition to be clinically. Proper handling of protective apron before and after use should be taught among end users.


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References


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