Radiological landscape of natural resources and mining: Unveiling the environmental impact of naturally occurring radioactive materials in Ghana's mining areas.

This study provides a general observation of the status of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) distribution in mining and industrial areas of Ghana in order to establish regional and national data on NORMs. The study includes data on radioactivity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in soils and for water concentrations of Ra-226, Th-228, and K-40 from various mining, oil, and gas communities, as well as water sources used for crop farming and farmlands. The average activity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in the soil samples were found to be 59 ± 16 Bq/kg, 48 ± 15 Bq/kg, and 286 ± 57 Bq/kg, respectively.

Estimation of organ-specific cancer and mortality risks associated with common indication-specific CT examinations of the abdominopelvic region.

Introduction: There is a paucity of large-scale studies reporting organ doses and cancer risks in patients who undergo indication-specific CT examinations. This study estimated organ-specific lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of cancer incidence and mortality among patients who underwent indication-based computed tomography (CT) examinations [(involving abdominopelvic lesion, kidney stones and computed tomography-intravenous urography (CT-IVU)] in about 70% of the functioning CT facilities in Ghana.

Methods: With a total of 1,100 data sets, organ doses were first determined using the National Cancer Institute Dosimetry System for CT (NCICTX) software version 2.

National inventory of authorized diagnostic imaging equipment in Ghana: data as of September 2020.

Introduction: to address the challenge of inadequate and non-equitable distribution of diagnostic imaging equipment, countries are encouraged to evaluate the distribution of installed systems and undertake adequate monitoring to ensure equitability. Ghana´s medical imaging resources have been analyzed in this study and evaluated against the status in other countries.

Methods: data on registered medical imaging equipment were retrieved from the database of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority and analyzed.

Towards the establishment of national imaging practice guidelines: A preliminary study of the basic computed tomography imaging protocols in Ghana.

Background: There is a need to harmonize imaging practices in computed tomography (CT) imaging. This study, therefore, investigated the variability of the basic imaging protocols used for CT imaging of common indications in Ghana in order to generate recommendations for the development of national imaging practice guidelines in CT imaging.

Method: A cross-sectional study, utilizing a structured online questionnaire, was undertaken (between December 2018 to March 2019) to collect indication-based imaging protocol data (scan coverage, scan series, image quality requirement, slice thickness, reconstruction, scan mode and orientation, required window, AEC usage, scan and breath hold techniques etc.

Variability of redundant scan coverages along the Z-axis and dose implications for common computed tomography examinations.

Background: Scan length optimization is a method of optimization which ensures that, imaging is performed to cover just the area of interest without unnecessarily exposing structures that would not add value to answer a given clinical question.

Purpose: This study assessed the variability and degree of redundant scan coverages along the z-axis of CT examinations of common indications and the associated radiation dose implications in CT facilities in Ghana for optimization measures to be recommended.

Methods: On reconstructed acquired CT images, the study measured extra distances covered above and below anatomical targets for common indications with calibrated calipers across 25 CT facilities.

National indication-based diagnostic reference level values in computed tomography: Preliminary results from Ghana.

Purpose: This study was conducted to develop national indication-based DRL values for common indications of adult computed tomography (CT) examinations for clinical application in Ghana.

Materials And Methods: The methodological approach recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), Publication 135, for the development of DRLs, was employed. Studies on CT infrastructure, common indications and quality control tests were first undertaken.

Status of Quality Management Systems in Computed Tomography Facilities in Ghana.

Purpose: To assess the status of quality management systems in computed tomography (CT) facilities in Ghana.

Methods: A questionnaire and quality control measurements were used to assess the status of quality management systems in CT facilities in Ghana. Thirty-one CT facilities took part in the study.

An Investigation into the Infrastructure and Management of Computerized Tomography Units in Ghana.

Introduction: In Ghana, there is a need to document computed tomography (CT) infrastructure and management systems for the development of interventions to promote CT practices while ensuring patient protection through the establishment of diagnostic reference levels and improved dose management systems.

Methods: A quantitative inquiry using a descriptive, cross-sectional approach was used to collect data, using a semistructured questionnaire related to CT infrastructure and management from the technical heads responsible for CT scanners. Data collected included the scanner characteristics, basic management system and organizational arrangements, number of attending practitioners, clinical indications for CT examinations, and the operation of CT facilities in Ghana.

Distribution of natural and artificial radioactivity in soils, water and tuber crops.

Activity concentrations of radionuclides in water, soil and tuber crops of a major food-producing area in Ghana were investigated. The average gross alpha and beta activities were 0.021 and 0.

Systematic approach to training occupationally exposed workers in Ghana and the rest of Africa.

The International Basic Safety Standards requires that all personnel on whom protection and safety depends be trained and qualified. The Radiation Protection Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission has adopted a systematic approach to training those occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in the course of their work. In collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency several training courses have been implemented at the national level and in the African region.

Assessment of public exposure to naturally occurring radioactive materials from mining and mineral processing activities of Tarkwa Goldmine in Ghana.

Studies have been carried out in a Goldmine in Ghana to determine the exposure of the public to naturally occurring radioactive materials from processing of gold ore. Direct gamma spectrometry and neutron activation analysis techniques were used to analyse soil, rock, water and dust samples from the mining environment. The mean activity concentrations measured for (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K in the soil/rock samples were 15.