INVESTIGATIONS OF OCCUPATIONAL RADIATION DOSE INCIDENTS RELATED TO MEDICAL PRACTICES IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate national incidents related to medical radiation practices in Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2019, and the actions taken to deal with these cases. The radiation protection program of the Saudi Ministry of Health monitors occupational doses for medical staff. When the radiation doses exceed the assigned investigation levels, an investigation protocol should be followed to identify the reasons and present recommendations. A total of 96 cases of radiation doses were above the investigation levels; 70% above level I, and 30% above level II. These cases were found to be 44% overload exposure, 32% intentional exposure, 8% accidental/unintentional exposure and 16% dosimeter misadventure. The majority of cases (80%) were in 2015 and 2016 with a significant drop in cases following these 2 years mainly due to continuing education and training. Investigations of incidents and the actions taken contributed to improving the radiation protection program.