Diagnostic Reference Level in Lumbar Radiography in Abidjan, Côte d’ivoire

This study aims to determine the diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for posterior-anterior lumbar and profile lumbar examinations in order to optimize the entrance dose (De) and the dose area product (DAP) of patient in Abidjan. A total of 240 patients undergoing conventional radiology in four hospitals of the city were considered. The device used to measure De and DAP values is a DAP-meter, model Diamentor M4 KDK and of type 11017. The DRLs in terms of De and DAP values were determined by applying the 75th percentile method. These values were compared to DRLs values obtained in other countries and to those recommended by international institutions. The values of De measured are encouraging, however for the DAP; many efforts are needed to be made to reduce the DRLs values