Determination of Diagnostic Reference Level in Dose-Area Product (DAP) and Evaluation of Dosimetry in Chest x-ray Examination at Bingerville Mother-Child Hospital, Cote D’Ivoire

X-rays have an undeniable advantage in medicine, especially for diagnosis. However, their use is not without risk. Following numerous studies carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency and learned societies, it has been recommended to strengthen the principle of optimization in diagnostic radiology by implementing Diagnostic Reference Levels. The purpose of this study is to determine diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in order to evaluate radiological practices and to reduce doses received by patients for frontal chest examination at the Bingerville Mother-Child Hospital (MCH). The work was carried out on a sample of 110 patients at the Mother and Child Hospital in Bingerville. We used a generator and a tube for the production of X-rays. The dose-area product (DAP) value was obtained using a dose calculator built into the generator. The determination of the DRLs in DAP (cGy.cm²) was made with the 75th percentile statistical method and yielded the following result of 14.32 cGy.cm². Comparing our DRL value with those obtained elsewhere, as well as comparing the median DAP from the present study with the DRLs in Abidjan and at the national level, radiological practices are satisfactory for frontal chest examination. However, after analysis of some radiological parameters used, it appears that efforts need to be made by acting on the kV, mAs, diaphragm and the filtration.