Assessment of Entrance Surface Dose and Effective Dose in Intravenous Urography (IVU) Procedure in Selected Hospitals in Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study aimed to assess radiation doses in patients undergoing Intravenous Urography (IVU) at selected hospitals in Yobe State, Nigeria, ensuring that exposure is justified and maintained as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). A quantitative methodology was employed, utilizing Thermo-luminescent dosimeters (TLDs) to measure entrance surface doses (ESD) on patients, along with CALDose_X 5.0 software for effective dose estimation. A total of 50 patients (25 each from Yobe State University Teaching Hospital and Yobe State Specialist Hospital) were surveyed, recording exposure parameters such as peak kilovoltage (kVp) and current-time product (mAs). The results indicated mean ESD and ED in YSUTH was found to be (0.815±0.107 mGy and 0.028±0.005 mSv) at 0 min exposure and (0.865±0.121 mGy and 0.032±0.006 mSv) at 1 minute exposure, for YSSHD was recorded as 0.967±0.330 mGy and 0.038±0.007 mSv for 1 min exposure and 1.086±0.319 mGy and 0.048±0.012 mSv; at 0 minute exposure; respectively. Mean cumulative ESD values of 4.5708±0.808 mGy and 5.899±2.254 mGy for YSUTH and YSSHD; respectively. Effective doses ranged from 0.119 mSv to 0.474 mSv in the study and the mean ED for YSUTH and YSSHD are 0.163±0.031 mSv and 0.248±0.091 mSv. The risk assessment revealed that the cancer risk 3.663´10ˉ⁵ estimated were significantly lower than the established international reference levels, suggesting that while radiation exposure is present, it remains within acceptable limits. In conclusion, the findings underscore the importance of optimizing radiation doses during IVU procedures and adherence to safety protocols to mitigate potential health risks associated with ionizing radiation. The study provides critical data for improving radiological practices in the region.