Shielding Evaluation of Diagnostic X-Ray Rooms in Khartoum State

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the shielding of some conventional x-ray rooms in Khartoum state. This study is based on the shielding calculations stated in the NCRP report number 49. This is the first time in Sudan to evaluate the shielding of diagnostic x-ray rooms based on this report.

The total number of conventional x- ray rooms included in this study is 9 and the main parameters recorded during the evaluation are the KVp, mAs, and distance from the x-ray source to the measuring points. The dose rate at some selected points both inside and outside each x-ray room have been recorded using two dosimeters.

The result of the evaluation revealed that 75% of the tested controlled area and 71.4% of the uncontrolled areas passed the test and do comply with the recommended limiting doses. However, only one room was found to be well shielded for both controlled and uncontrolled areas. The maximum allowed dose rate in controlled and uncontrolled areas was taken equal to 5 mSv/year & 1 mSv/year respectively and as recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Calculations of the required shielding have been made for those areas which have not passed the tests and for lead and concrete.