Studies On The Status Of Light Beam Diaphragms In Calabar: Effects And Implications On Radiation Protection

The status of Light Beam diaphragms (LDBs) in Calabar, Cross River State were studied using a quality assurance test method to check the beam alignment and collimator accuracy of x-ray equipment in diagnostic centers in Calabar. Results showed an increase in misalignment of the x-ray field and light field with an increase in the light field. The greatest misalignments were 7.9% and 5.6%along the cassette and across the cassette respectively. On the other hand, the least misalignments across and along the cassettes were 0.3% and 1.1% respectively. This indicates an unacceptable status of LBDs in Calabar, and the implication of this in image quality and radiation protection is noted as an undesirable development as it evidently contributes an unwelcome quantity to the radiation dose to the patient population.