A SURVEY OF DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY ROOM DESIGN AND SHIELDING INTEGRITY OF LEAD APRONS IN A STATE IN NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Background: X-ray facility design and shielding integrity is meant to optimize radiation safety of patients, staff and the general public. Objectives: To determine the conformity to x-ray room design standards and the functional efficacy of lead aprons in the surveyed facilities. Materials and Method: The survey was conducted in six radio diagnostic centers in Gombe State Nigeria, labeled A to F for anonymity. The building layout of the radiology departments was sketched to show the dimensions (L x B x H) and adjoining structures. Data sheets were also used to record information about radio-diagnostic facility. Lead aprons were inspected for defects by physical observation and by x-ray exposure. Results: The x-ray room dimension of the six radio diagnostic centers with A(24m2 ), B (14.8 m2 ), C (30 m2 ), D (36 m2 ), E (21.2 m2 ) and F (25 m2 ). All the walls of radio-diagnostic room of facility A, B, C and D were lined with 2 mm lead equivalent, whereas E and F were not. About 7 (38.8%) of lead aprons inspected were defective, while 11 (61.1%) were not defective. Conclusion: There are compromises noted in the design of facility B and majority of the lead aprons inspected showed good functional efficacy.