Study on the current status of radiation protection for medical X-ray machines used in the hospitals of Dezhou city

Objective: To investigate and analyze the current status of radiation protection for medical X-ray machines used in the hospitals of Dezhou City. Methods: On-spot monitoring of radiation protection and investigations of the facilities were made based on the standards of the national laws. Results: The qualified rate of average level for radiation protection of medical X-ray machines used in the hospitals at Dezhou City was 96%. And the qualified rate of city-, county-, private- and township-level hospitals was 97.8%, 97.2%, 94.2% and 91.3% respectively. However, some problems in the facilities for protecting medical diagnostic X-ray machines and personal protection equipment were found, such as the out of service of indicating lamps, lack of warning signs, the losses of ventilation facilities, unqualified room area, unreasonable room layout and improperly equipment of personal protective articles. Conclusion: The status of radiation protection for medical X-ray machines used in hospitals of Dezhou City was generally good radiation protection in the city- and county-level hospitals was better than that of private- and township-level hospitals. Most problems occurred in township-level hospitals. Our investigation further indicated that enhancing and improving the radiation protection work of hospital of county-level and loucer, especially township-level hospitals, will be focused. (authors)