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Radiation dose considerations in common paediatric X-ray examinations
Konstantinos A Gogos1, Emmanuel N Yakoumakis, Ioannis A Tsalafoutas
1Medical Physics Department, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
Pediatric Radiology
|April 24, 2003
Summary
Paediatric radiology entrance surface dose (ESD) measurements in Greece were below proposed diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for most exams. Optimizing collimation can further improve patient radiation protection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiology
- Radiation Protection
Background:
- Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) are crucial benchmarks in paediatric radiology for equipment and technique evaluation.
- Established by regulatory bodies, DRLs guide the optimization of radiation doses in medical imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure Entrance Surface Dose (ESD) in common paediatric radiological examinations in Greece.
- To compare measured ESD values against existing Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs).
- To assess patient radiation exposure in paediatric diagnostic imaging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized thermoluminescent dosemeters for ESD measurements in 168 paediatric patients.
- Included common examinations: chest, skull, pelvis, lumbar spine, and full spine.
- Calculated mean ESD per examination and age category; estimated effective doses.
Main Results:
- Mean ESD values were generally below proposed DRLs across most examinations.
- Chest examinations were an exception, with mean ESDs approaching DRLs.
- Low tube potential and filtration contributed to reduced radiation doses.
Conclusions:
- Paediatric radiation doses in the studied Greek hospital are largely within acceptable limits.
- Further optimization of patient protection is achievable through precise collimation.
- Ensuring field size matches diagnostic requirements enhances radiation safety.