Diagnostic Reference Levels for Common X-ray Procedures in Peru

Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for X-ray procedures have been established in many countries since 1996. In Peru, data from the literature are used as guidelines as DRLs research is limited. The objective of this study is to analyze the parameters and variables which are used in radiological techniques such as kV, mAs, and type of machine (conventional or digital); study the geographical distribution of radiological X-ray machines, and establish DRLs in Peru. Two radiological procedures were considered, general X-rays (fixed and mobile) and intraoral X-rays (fixed, mobile, and portable). An Unfors RaySafe Xi detector (Unfors RaySafe AB, Billdal, Sweden) was used; air kerma was measured at a source to image distance that varied depending on the procedure, and the entrance skin dose was subsequently calculated using the Arcal XLIX formalism. The data were collected over a period of three years (2015-2017). Only results from the last evaluation during this period were taken into consideration for each X-ray machine. DRLs were calculated at 0.21 mSv, and 0.25 mSv for posterior-anterior chest examinations in conventional and digital machines, respectively; 4.39 mSv and 6.01 mSv for conventional and digital antero-posterior lumbar spine examinations, respectively; and at 4.21 mSv for the dental intraoral procedure. The largest amount of X-ray machines is concentrated in the city of Lima. These results reflect the standard of practice in Peru.