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[Aspects of radiation protection during chest X-radiography]
1Institut für Klinische Radiologie - Kinderradiologie, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Klinikum der Universität München, Lindwurmstr. 4, 80337, München, Deutschland, michael.seidenbusch@med.uni-muenchen.de.
Background:
Radiation safety in conventional X-ray diagnostics is based on the concepts of justification, optimization of an X-ray examination and limitation of the radiation exposure achieved during the examination. Optimization of an X-ray examination has to be considered as a multimodal process in which all technical components of the X-ray equipment have to be adapted to each other and also have to be adapted to the anthropometric characteristics of patients and the clinical indications.
Objectives:
In this article the technical components of a conventional pediatric chest X-radiograph are presented, and recommendations for optimizing chest X-rays in children are provided.
Results And Discussion:
The following measures are of prime importance: correct x-ray beam limitation, using the posteroanterior projection when possible and not using anti-scatter grids in children under approximately 8 years old. In pediatric radiology chest x-rays that are taken not at the peak of inspiration can also be of some diagnostic significance. Optimization of an X-ray examination inevitably results in the limitation of radiation exposure.
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