Evaluation of the level of compliance with radiation protection measures and conventional dosimetry in medical imaging structures in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Objective: Assess the level of organization of radiation protection and dosimetry monitoring of medical imaging professionals in the DRC. Results: A total of 186 medical imaging professionals participated in our survey. No personal protective equipment is used by 100% of professionals; the lead apron is used at 95.2%, the lead screen at 68.8%, the safety glasses at 38.7%, the lead gloves at 32.3%, the dosimeter at 16.1%, the protective shoes at 11.3% and the lead helmet at 2.7%. The dosimeter is not worn in 88% of cases and is not read in 91% of cases. Quality control is not ensured in 63.4% of cases. In 94.6%, the participants are unaware of the doses absorbed. Conclusion: Radiation protection measures and dosimetry monitoring of workers are not respected. The absorbed doses are not known. In the absence of conventional dosimetry, biological dosimetry could be proposed as an alternative to assess the risk of exposure to x-rays.