Patient Radiation Dose Assessment in Pelvic X-ray Examination in Ghana

Protecting the gonads of children and adults is of particular importance during diagnostic imaging of the pelvis since evidence suggests that X-rays could cause direct damage to the gonad which could result in mutation [1]. Gonad shielding during diagnostic X-ray procedures is an effective way of reducing dose to patients’ reproductive organs and reduces the risk of genetic effects in future generations [2]. Given the potential harmful effects associated with exposure to ionizing radiation, it is important not just to provide gonad shielding, but also to measure patient doses, and reduce them where possible.