Research Article
Optimization of Patient Radiation Protection and Dose Levels in Some Nigerian CT Facilities Using OSL Dosimetry
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
32-39
Received:
10 March 2026
Accepted:
22 April 2026
Published:
26 May 2026
Abstract: The increasing use of computed tomography (CT) in medical imaging has raised concerns regarding patient exposure to ionizing radiation, necessitating continuous evaluation of dose levels and optimization practices. This study presents a combined assessment of patient radiation dose and protection parameters during general and head CT examinations in selected diagnostic centers in Nigeria, utilizing Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeters (OSLDs) for direct dose measurement. A retrospective analysis of 30 patients was conducted to evaluate skin dose during general CT examinations across three centers (A, B, and C), while a prospective study of 60 adult patients assessed head CT dose indices, including CTDIvol, CTDIw, dose length product (DLP), and effective dose. The mean skin doses for general CT were 9.92 mGy, 12.21 mGy, and 13.44 mGy for Centers A, B, and C respectively, corresponding to estimated effective doses of 0.15 mSv, 0.18 mSv, and 0.20 mSv. For head CT examinations, mean CTDIvol values ranged from 47.83 to 52.52 mGy, while mean DLP values varied from 1080.71 to 1485.48 mGy·cm, with effective doses between 2.49 and 3.17 mSv. Significant inter-center variations were observed, with general CT dose variability largely attributed to operator-dependent factors, whereas differences in head CT doses were primarily influenced by scan length and protocol implementation. Third-quartile values were used to establish local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), which were higher than some international benchmarks but consistent with findings from similar healthcare settings. The study highlights the need for standardized CT protocols, routine dose monitoring, and strict adherence to the ALARA principle to enhance patient radiation protection while maintaining diagnostic image quality.
Abstract: The increasing use of computed tomography (CT) in medical imaging has raised concerns regarding patient exposure to ionizing radiation, necessitating continuous evaluation of dose levels and optimization practices. This study presents a combined assessment of patient radiation dose and protection parameters during general and head CT examinations i...
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Research Article
Lithofacies Analysis and Petrophysical Relationships of Zubair Formation in X, XX and XXX Oil Fields, Southern Iraq
Haider Ahmed Falih Al-Tarim*
,
Zainab Ali Shakir Al-Khalidi
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
40-49
Received:
3 March 2026
Accepted:
25 March 2026
Published:
12 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajpa.20261403.12
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Abstract: The current study is including the lithofacies analysis and petrophysical evaluation related to depositional development for Zubair Formation in X, XX and XXX oil fields (X-1, XX-5 and XXX-2). Zubair Formations was deposited in the Mesopotamian Zone during the Barremain age which belong to the Early Cretaceous epoch. Depositional settings and related facies that were interpreted using the supplied parameters and distribution of the observable lithofacies, there are three main associations of deltaic facies in studies succession: - Delta Front Association Facies, Back Shore Association Facies, Delta Plain Association Facie. The succession under study is separated into three main units utilizing well logging technologies (GR, SP, and DT). The upper part is primarily made up of sand layers with thin shale beds, the middle member is made up of thin layers of sandstone with a predominance of shale, and the lower member is primarily built of shale with less sandstone: - Lower unit shale dominated, Middle unit sandstone dominated and upper unit sand/shale dominated. The lower petrophysical zone of Zubair succession is represented by the shale dominated rock units, with low to non-pores rock unit (type III). Active porosity type (I) is present in low to moderate levels within the shale bands lithofacies across all examined wells. The middle zone in the studied succession is split into two subzones. The upper subzone exhibits high to moderate levels of active porosity (type I), whereas the lower subzone shows moderate levels of active porosity (type II) and a low to non-porous rock unit (type III) due to a significant amount of shale content. This zone represents the middle section of the Zubair succession within the shale-dominated layers. The upper zone consists of high to medium-sized active porosity rocks (Type I) due to well-graded coarse granitic sandstones. These features correspond to shale-dominated rocks and low to medium shale grades.
Abstract: The current study is including the lithofacies analysis and petrophysical evaluation related to depositional development for Zubair Formation in X, XX and XXX oil fields (X-1, XX-5 and XXX-2). Zubair Formations was deposited in the Mesopotamian Zone during the Barremain age which belong to the Early Cretaceous epoch. Depositional settings and relat...
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