The CT scanner is one of the best diagnostic modalities currently, however, it is associated with high radiation doses to the patient. AEC has put in place measures to ensure radiation safety and nuclear security…
Introduction
Computed Tomography (CT) scanners are medical imaging equipment that are used to diagnose different parts of the body. They produce detailed images in form of slices that help medical personnel to detect injuries and diseases. Atomic Energy Council (AEC) has so far registered sixty-two (62) scanners in 61 facilities countrywide. The CT scanner is the most preferred diagnostic modality than the plain radiography, as it offers more 3D images that provide more detail therefore making the diagnosis of conditions much easier and faster. However, CT examinations are associated with higher radiation doses compared to the other diagnostic equipment requiring effective regulation of the practice in order to optimize the dose received by patients undergoing CT examinations and, to protect the operators and the public from harmful effects that may result from exposure to the radiation.
Regulatory Requirements throughout the Lifetime
AEC has put in place requirements for the safety of CT scanners at the different stages including; 1. Before operations
a) Purchase of a CT machine from abroad Facilities should notify AEC before importation/purchase of the equipment (submission of a notification form) and apply for an import permit for the CT scanner. Before arrival of the equipment into the country, facilities should ensure that the imaging rooms comply with AEC guidance for the design and layout of radiation premises. The imaging room housing the CT scanner should have a minimum ground area of 25m2 with each side at least 5m exclusive of the control cubicle, which should be at least 5m2. There should be provision for a mechanism to continuously observe the patient during exposure which should also ensure the radiation safety of the operator of the CT scanner. More guidance on the design and layout of the CT imaging room can be obtained from the AEC website at https://www.atomiccouncil.go.ug/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ b) Purchase of a CT machine from within the country For machines acquired within the country, the buyer should apply for authorization to possess and use the equipment while the previous authorized person should acquire authorization to sell or lease or hire or loan or transfer as applicable. These applications should be submitted at the same time. 2. During operations Upon arrival into the country, installation and commissioning tests should be conducted on the CT scanners and the results submitted to Council for verification. The facilities should apply for authorization to possess and use the CT scanners. Pre-authorization inspections are conducted at facilities which have submitted application forms, and a license is issued to those which have met the minimum requirements for the radiation safety of the operators, patients and the public. This license is valid for one (01) year and the authorized person should apply for renewal of the license three (03) months prior to the expiry date. 3. At the end of the useful life The CT scanners that have reached the end of their useful life should be disposed off following the AEC guidance for disposal of radiation generators together with national guidelines for disposal of electronic waste. This guidance can be obtained from the AEC website at http://www.atomiccouncil.go.ug/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AEC-Procedures-for-Disposing-of-Radiation-Generators-X-ray-Machines.pdf
General Responsibilities of the Authorised Person/Operators
An authorised person is a person issued an authorisation by Atomic Energy Council while an operator is the person who performs CT examinations on the patients. a) Use only qualified and trained staff to operate the CT scanners. CT scanners should be operated by suitably qualified staff who have undergone academic training including the principles of radiation protection. They should possess a certificate of registration from the Allied Health Professionals Council.
b) Provision of personal protective equipment for the patients. The patients should be provided with suitable and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during examinations. The suitable PPE for CT scanners includes lead aprons, bismuth eye shields, thyroid shields, thin bismuth breast shields, gonad shields with thickness of at least 0.25mmPb lead equivalent among others. c) Establishment and implementation of a radiation dose monitoring system The radiation workers should wear personal dosimeters as they operate the CT scanners for assessment of their occupational exposure. The personal dosimeters should be returned to the Council for reading after a wearing period of three (03) months. d) Implementation of a quality assurance program The facilities with CT scanners should document a quality assurance program including a quality control program that should ensure that the performance parameters of the equipment are within permissible limits. The permissible performance limits are indicated in Table 1 below. 
e) Implementation of the inspection requirements and recommendations from AEC. The Council issues inspection reports to the facilities where compliance inspections have been conducted. The facilities are encouraged to implement all the requirements and recommendations indicated therein in order to ensure the safety of the patients, workers and the public from any harmful effects of the radiation produced by the CT scanners.
f) Training in radiation protection and safety. The facilities should document and implement a training program for the operators of the CT scanners. This is to enable the operators regularly gain knowledge and experience for the safe operation of the CT scanners. g) Justification of CT examinations The operators should only perform examinations on patients upon request by a qualified medical practitioner to prevent unjustified exposure.
Advice to Patients/Care-takers and The Public
a) Follow the instructions as guided by the operators of the CT scanners. b) Request for personal protective equipment (where applicable) during exposures. c) Request to sign the consent form after being taken through the risks associated with CT examinations.
Conclusion
The CT scanner is one of the best diagnostic modalities currently, however, it is associated with high radiation doses to the patient. AEC has put in place measures to ensure that the facilities with CT scanners are operating safely in order to optimize the dose to the patients and radiation workers in order to protect them from the effects that may arise from radiation exposure.
