Radiological Equipment Quality in Albania: A National COCIR-Based Benchmarking Study

Dafina Xhako; Niko Hyka; Suela Hoxhaj; Albana Shahini; Joan Jani; Rudina Osmanaj; Elda Spahiu; Serxhi Qosja

doi:10.15157/IJITIS.2026.9.2.1241-1266

Authors

Dafina Xhako Department of Physics Engineering, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0937-2471
Niko Hyka Department of Diagnostic, University of Medicine, Tirana Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4645-3844
Suela Hoxhaj Department of Physics Engineering, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4686-3663
Albana Shahini Department of Diagnostic, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6179-0485
Joan Jani Department of Physics Engineering, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0043-9411
Rudina Osmanaj Department of Physics, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0367-9560
Elda Spahiu Institute of Applied Nuclear Physics, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5205-8893
Serxhi Qosja Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjovik, Norway https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1741-1119

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15157/IJITIS.2026.9.2.1241-1266

Keywords:

Klingo Registry, Medical Imaging Equipment, Radiology Infrastructure, COCIR Golden Rule, Equipment Age Profile, QA/QC

Abstract

The radiological equipment quality and technological adequacy level plays a very important role in diagnostic accuracy, radiation protection and the future sustainability of diagnostic services. This study presents a national benchmarking analysis of radiological equipment quality in Albania based on the integration of data from the Klingo database, which is used by the official national biomedical authority for the registration and surveillance of devices in public healthcare institutions, together with acceptance, constancy, and quality control reports from ALBMEDTECH and other verified private-sector sources. A cross-sectional analytical method was adopted to compile a full national equipment inventory by modality, sector and installation date. Major technical performance parameters (kVp accuracy, expose time accuracy, total filtration, radiation output constant-cy/repeatability) were sampled from quality control records and compared against the relevant tolerance criteria. The age profile and availability of modalities in the national inventory as well as compliance findings were benchmarked with the COCIR Golden Rule structure whereas the OECD benchmarks were used for national density indicators and technology mix. The document signals on a heterogeneous situation across modalities and sectors, on the 6–10 years use range, an incidence of 45% on basic radiological devices, while the per-centage of lines very recent (less than five years use) is around 20%, and that of those more than 10 years old accounts for 35%. This percentage implies that 35% are used well beyond the technological window of their life cycle (10 years). As time passes by, technical deviations become more frequent and corrective maintenance is required more often; the OECD benchmarking also delineates a relatively lower density of imaging units in Albania (dental radiology is the highest, but advanced imaging techniques such as hybrid imaging or nuclear medicine are still deficient in Albania). The results offer substantiated input for possible future equipment renewal strategies, enhanced QA/QC system and policy alignment with other European standards on radiology.