Analysis of Entrance Surface Dose for Patients Undergoing Chest X-Ray Examinations: a Case Study of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna State

Student: Zaharaddin Abdullahi Aminu (Project, 2025)
Department of Physics and Applied Physics
Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Kaduna State


Abstract

This study investigates patient radiation exposure during diagnostic chest X-ray examinations at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna State. Using data from 30 patients (mean age 40.7 years, range 2–70 years), the research analyzes Entrance Surface Dose (ESD) and Mean Glandular Dose (MGD) under standardized imaging conditions (mean kVp = 65, mAs = 3.81, FFD = 180 cm). The mean ESD recorded was 0.59 mGy, and the mean MGD was 59.38 mGy, with variations linked to exposure settings and patient anatomy. Statistical findings reveal dose distributions with occasional high-dose outliers, underscoring the importance of protocol optimization, equipment calibration, and radiographer training. The study concludes that consistent monitoring, adherence to Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs), and implementation of the ALARA principle are vital for enhancing patient safety, reducing unnecessary exposure, and maintaining diagnostic image quality in medical radiography.

Keywords
analysis entrance surface patients undergoing chest x-ray examinations barau dikko