National Evaluation of Radiation Shielding Effectiveness in Diagnostic Imaging Facilities Across Ministry of Health Hospitals in Saudi Arabia
Abstract
This national study evaluated radiation dose rates and shielding effectiveness in diagnostic imaging rooms across 26 Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals in Saudi Arabia. A total of 71 imaging units were surveyed (26 computed tomography (CT), 26 general radiography, and 19 mammography rooms), selected for geographic and facility-type representation across 13 administrative regions. A calibrated survey meter recorded the instantaneous dose rate (IDR) at multiple locations within controlled and uncontrolled areas during routine operation; weekly dose rates (mGy/week) were estimated by multiplying the IDR by the weekly workload of each modality. The highest median weekly dose rates were 3.52 × 10⁻³ (CT), 2.10 × 10⁻⁵ (general radiography), and 8.31 × 10⁻⁵ mGy/week (mammography) in controlled areas, and 1.60 × 10⁻⁴, 2.20 × 10⁻⁶, and 3.06 × 10⁻⁶ mGy/week, respectively, in uncontrolled areas. All values remained well below the NCRP Report No. 147 design goals of 0.1 mGy/week (controlled) and 0.02 mGy/week (uncontrolled). Estimated annual effective doses at control-panel and window locations ranged from 0.004 to 0.20 mSv/year, far under the 20 mSv/year occupational limit. These results confirm compliance with radiation protection standards and the adequacy of existing shielding in large MOH facilities, while affirming the value of ongoing quality assurance and site-specific assessment.
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