Analysis of x-ray film reject in diagnostic radiology department at China- Uganda Friendship Hospital, Naguru (CUFH)

Abstract

Introduction Plain x-ray radiographic examination is an integral part of radiology imaging department even in era where computed and digital radiographs are gaining importance. Still in the developing countries about 60% of the radiology department both government and private hospitals, small or even bigger are always equipped with conventional x-ray machines for providing basic radiographic services at low costs. However, it is not uncommon to encounter poor, suboptimal quality radiographs leading to repetition of the films thus increasing the cost to excheqor, more radiation to patients as well as to personnel, more time consuming as well as delay in diagnosis to the patients. Hence, it is the entail to recognize the factor responsible for diagnostically suboptimal radiograph leading to rejection of the radiographic examinations (Usha at el., 2013) Objective. To determine the causes and rate of x-ray film reject at CUFH and obtain information on how to minimize the reject rate. Methods. Cross-sectional and descriptive approach was used. Rejected films for all x-ray examinations done at CUFH for a period of one month were sorted and collected for data analysis. The research findings were presented in tables and pie charts giving the breakdown of single cause of rejection. Results: Analysis has shown that the overall reject rate is 8.4% in approximately 250 exposed films. The main cause for film rejection was found to be poor film processing (33.3%) and inappropriate exposure (under exposure 23.8%). Individual plain X-ray examinations registered chest X-ray examination (33.3%) being the most repeated examination followed by lumber spine X-ray at 23.8%. Frequently used X-ray film size was found to be (35x35) cm size. Conclusion: Analysis shown the overall reject rate in the X-ray department of CUFH the overall reject rate was 8.4%, which is above the World Health Organization criteria of 5% although, CRCPD’s committee on QA raises reject rates up to 10%. Hence, this justifies continued monitoring of this X-ray department. The main cause being poor film processing was found to be related to the poor manual processing techniques, this can be lowered by introduction of digital film processing as it’s the modern and efficient method widely used in this era.