Establishing a quality control program in Diagnostic Radiology in Morocco

Abstract

Author(s): A. Oustous, M. Talbi, M. Khalis, Z. Airouss, Y. EL Attaoui, R. Sebihi, Z. Tahiri, L. Jrondi

Background: Conventional radiology is an increasingly important area of modern medical imaging procedure, used to visualize the internal structures of a patient and diagnose many diseases, but in the same time it represents the vast majority of population exposure to man-made radiation. However, to ensure a continued and reliable performance of x rays machines, a quality control program is highly needed. It’s an essential process that allows avoiding unnecessary high doses and help achieving good image quality. In Morocco, the Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR) works on the regulatory framework that organizes such procedures, and until now, there is no formal Quality Control (QC) program nor a diagnostic medical physicist assigned into radiology departments to perform and develop a quality assurance protocols for conventional radiology device. Aims: The purpose of this work is to prove the importance of performing quality control of radiological facilities and to provide a guide or an example of quality control program on how to perform individual tests of the X ray machines, in order to verify that the equipment and components of the radiological system are operating satisfactorily. Methods: In This Study, quality control tests were conducted on the conventional radiology device installed in Ibn Sina hospital’s emergency department to assess the conformity of the X-rays machine. Diametric and image quality tests are done based on the standards set by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM Report NO.74) and the French Agency for the Safety of Health Products (ANSM). The parameters measured were compared to the relevant acceptance limits. Results: Tests for linearity, Beam alignment and Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) shows significant differences and do not comply with ASNM standards. However, values obtained for other tests are reliable, accurate and they meet the acceptability criteria. Conclusion: Despite the fact that radiological device in Ibn Sina’s Radiology department is relatively old with high workload, the obtained results showed that these devices met the standard criteria for the most tests, this may be mainly related to proper after-sale services, provided by the companies. On the other hand, some tests show a significant deficiency that must be corrected. The study was mainly concerned in establishing a guide to Moroccan physicists to carry out precise, complete and reproducible quality controls of conventional radiology devices in an effort to ensure the proper functioning of the installation.

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