Without appropriate quality control (QC) and preventative maintenance (PM) measures\r\nfor X-ray machines in place, the benefits of reduced dose to the patient and\r\nearly diagnosis will not be realized. Quality control and PM also make it possible\r\nto unify X-ray-imaging practices in the country using international image quality\r\nguidelines. The impetus for the present work resulted from the concern that with\r\nthe recent increase in the numbers of X-ray machines in Tanzania, but with limited\r\ntechnical support to maintain and operate them, can increase radiation risk to patients\r\nand lower diagnostic accuracy. The aim of this work is to report on the\r\ncurrent status of diagnostic X-ray machines in Tanzania in order to produce the\r\ndata needed to formulate QC and PM policies and strategies. These policies and\r\nstrategies are needed to ensure that patients receive the lowest possible radiation\r\nrisk and maximum health benefits from X-ray examinations. Four QC tests were\r\nperformed on a total of 196 X-ray units. Accurate beam alignment and collimation\r\nwere tested on 80 (41%) units, the timer accuracy was tested on 120 (61%) units,\r\nand a radiation leakage test was performed on 47(24%) units. Preventative maintenance\r\ntests were performed on all 196 X-ray units. The results showed that of the\r\nunits tested for QC, 59% failed the kilovoltage (kVp) test, 57% failed the timer\r\naccuracy test, 60% failed the beam alignment test, and 20% failed the radiation\r\nleakage test. Only 13% of the units passed the PM test: 53% of the units were\r\ndefective, and 34% were out of order. As a result of the PM findings, the government\r\nhas introduced a rehabilitation project to service X-ray units and replace\r\nnonoperational X-ray units. The new units have full support service contracts signed\r\nby their suppliers. As a result of the QC findings, X-ray maintenance retraining\r\nprograms have been introduced.
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