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Average radiation exposure values for three diagnostic radiographic examinations
F G Rueter1, B J Conway, J L McCrohan
1Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20857.
Radiology
|November 1, 1990
Summary
National surveys reveal variations in X-ray techniques between hospitals and private practices. While chest exposures were similar, hospitals more frequently used grids and high tube voltage, unlike private facilities.
Area of Science:
- Radiological Health
- Medical Imaging Technology
Background:
- National surveys assessed X-ray trends in over 600 facilities.
- Data collection focused on chest, lumbosacral spine, and abdominal examinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate radiation exposures and techniques in diagnostic X-ray examinations.
- To establish guidelines for meeting healthcare accreditation requirements.
Main Methods:
- Utilized standard phantoms from the Center for Devices and Radiological Health for exposure measurement.
- Collected data on X-ray equipment parameters, film processing, and techniques used.
- Conducted national surveys as part of the Nationwide Evaluation of X-Ray Trends program.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in overall posteroanterior chest exposures between hospitals and private practices.
- Hospitals predominantly used grids (76%) and high tube voltage techniques.
- Private practices showed higher rates of film underprocessing (41%) compared to hospitals (17%), with an increasing trend in hospitals from 1984 to 1987.
Conclusions:
- Variations in X-ray equipment usage and techniques exist between different healthcare settings.
- Film underprocessing rates highlight potential areas for quality improvement.
- Established average exposure values can serve as benchmarks for quality assurance and accreditation compliance.