X-RAY FILM REJECT ANALYSIS AS A QUALITY INDICATOR IN A TERTIARY HEALTH CENTRE IN NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Objective: To assess the rate of rejects in routine radiography as a quality control measure. Methods: Retrospective study was carried out on radiographs obtained from two conventional diagnostic rooms of the Radiology Department at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, for a period of six months (July-December 2016). All rejected radiographs were analyzed under uniform viewing conditions. All images with good diagnostic quality, those carried out for special examination and mammograms were excluded. Data were collected and entered into database for analysis. Results: The overall reject rate was found to be 16.4% with chest contributing the (7.1%). The major cause of reject was inappropriate collimation (18.1%). Conclusion: A total of 16.4% reject was noted in the study conducted, which was above the recommended level given by World Health Organization (WHO).