Radiation dose assessment for occupationally exposed workers in Malawi.

Background: The objective of this study was to assess individual doses received by radiographers, and the scattered radiation dose rate reaching the control panel in X-ray departments of three hospitals in Malawi, in-order to compare them against the internationally recommended limits.

Methods: Themoluminescent Dosimeters were issued to fifteen (15) radiographers to record their dose for a month. Dose rate measurements were recorded using survey meters.

Investigation of the status of occupational radiation protection in Malawian hospitals.

Background: The main objective of this study was to explore the occupational radiation protection program in three hospitals in Malawi and discover how radiation protection measures for workers are being implemented in their radiology departments.

Method: A questionnaire was administered to heads of X-ray departments for Kamuzu Central Hospital, Bwaila Hospital and Mtengo wa Nthenga Hospital to investigate occupational radiation protection practices in their departments.

Results: The study discovered that hospitals lack radiation protection programs which covers a number of critical issues including quality assurance and personnel dose monitoring.

Medical physics practice and training in Ghana.

Medical physics has been an indispensable and strategic stakeholder in the delivery of radiological services to the healthcare system of Ghana. The practice has immensely supported radiation oncology and medical imaging facilities over the years, while the locally established training programme continues to produce human resource to feed these facilities. The training programme has grown to receive students from other African countries in addition to local students.

PAEDIATRIC NECK MULTIDETECTOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY: THE EFFECT OF BISMUTH SHIELDING ON THYROID DOSE AND IMAGE QUALITY.

This study investigated the effect of bismuth shielding on thyroid dose and image quality in paediatric neck multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) performed with fixed tube current (FTC) and automatic exposure control (AEC). Four paediatric anthropomorphic phantoms representing the equivalent newborn, 1-, 5- and 10-y-old child were subjected to neck CT using a 16-slice MDCT system. Each scan was performed without and with single- and double-layered bismuth shield placed on the skin surface above the thyroid.

Numerical modeling of radionuclide migration through a borehole disposal site.

The migration of radionuclides from a borehole repository located about 20 km from the Akwapim fault line which lies in an area of high seismicity was analyzed for some selected radionuclides. In the event of a seismic activity, fractures and faults could be rejuvenated or initiated resulting in container failure leading to the release of radionuclides. A numerical model was solved using a two-dimensional finite element code (Comsol Multiphysics) by taking into account the effect of heterogeneities.