Suggested diagnostic reference levels for paediatric X-ray examinations in India

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiological Protection
• Pediatric Imaging

Background:

• Children are more susceptible to ionizing radiation risks than adults.
• Implementing safety standards necessitates defined diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for pediatric X-ray procedures in India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish pediatric diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for common X-ray examinations.
• To ensure X-ray equipment complies with India's Safety Code for Medical Diagnostic X-ray Equipment and Installations.

Main Methods:

• Entrance surface air kerma measurements were taken for four pediatric age groups (<1, 1-4, 5-9, 10-15 years).
• 2240 air kerma measurements were analyzed across 7 examinations and 11 projections on 62 X-ray machines in 22 hospitals.
• Third quartile values of air kerma for the 5-9 year age group were used to determine pediatric DRLs.

Main Results:

• Suggested pediatric DRLs range from 0.2 mGy (chest AP/PA) to 1.3 mGy (lumbar spine LAT).
• Specific DRL values were determined for various pediatric X-ray examinations including chest, spine, abdomen, pelvis, skull, and hip joints.
• The study provides concrete reference levels for optimizing radiation doses in pediatric diagnostic radiology in India.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully established pediatric DRLs for common X-ray procedures in India.
• These DRLs serve as benchmarks for radiation protection in pediatric diagnostic imaging.
• Adherence to these DRLs can help minimize radiation exposure to children undergoing X-ray examinations.