[Quality control--patient doses--guidance dose levels from diagnostic radiology in Tunisia]

Radiation doses from diagnostic radiology are the most important exposure collective doses of the man. Entrance Surface Dose is one of the basic dosimetric quantities for measuring the patient dose and hence, an excellent tool for optimization purposes and for comparison with the international reference values.

The aim of the study was to assess the delivred quantitis of rayon x to patients who undervent radiography;

For the first time in Tunisia the doses delivered to the patient undergoing the most common type of X ray examinations (chest, abdomen, lumbar spin) were performed in two university hospitals of Tunis. Entrance Surface Dose measurements were conducted using thermoluminescent dosimeters calibrated at the National Centre of Radiation Protection. Before measurements, quality control tests were carried out on each radiological equipment used for examinations.

From this study of 112 patients, it was deduced that the obtained values were comparable to the internationally recommended guidance levels. The diagnostic guidance dose levels established for Tunis area are preliminary results. The study should therefore be implemented on a national scale as an approach to establish the national guidance levels.