Real-Time Radiological Practice: Dose Descriptors and Fatal Risk of Cancer Estimates in Adult Patient from Most Frequent Radiological Procedures in Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: The inspiration in establishing dosimetric methods for radio-diagnosis is based on the curiosity to estimating health risks to patient subjected to a given type of examination, using ionizing radiation. So, to establish strong relation between risks and benefits of a new diagnostic modality, study assessed real-time radiological practice by evaluating dose descriptors and fatal risks of cancer from most frequent radiographs. Patients and Methods: Mathematical approach was adopted to determine dose to 3,587 adult patients while PCXMC version 2.0, was employed in estimating their effective dose equivalent. Results: Low ESD and DAP recorded as 0.618 mGy (Ankle) and 0.124 Gycm2 (Hand AP) while high as 6.263 mGy (LS LAT) and 2.866Gycm2 (LS AP). The average estimated effective doses across radiographs confirmed Knee joint LAT and Ankle AP recording same low value of 0.001mSv and high as 0.822mSv from LS LAT. The range factor for the probability of fatal risks of cancer evaluated across radiographs was 10.142. Thus, low average lifetime risks of cancer ratio recorded as 1:27,778(Ankle AP) and high for LS LAT as 1:2,739, and the risks of cancer inducement estimates from this study fall within very low and low category of risks. Comparison of study results with some published values show good geometry but revealed high spread in values across radiographs studied. The study trend demonstrates the significance for awareness creation among the radiographic staff and the policies maker on quality control testing of equipment and adjustment of protocols. Conclusion: The need to bring the radiological practice in the State in line with National and European guidelines on quality criteria for diagnostic radiological images becomes very essential, for good radiological practice to be embraced.