Routine skin dose calculation using a desk-top calculator

A program that calculates the patient skin dose was developed using a programmable desk-top calculator (Hewlett-Packard HP-97). The calculation scheme is based upon the technique factors used for the radiographic examination and the radiation output characteristics of the x-ray generating devices. Thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) was used on some clinical examinations and phantoms to establish the validity of this program. The average percentage difference between the TLD results and the calculated values is less than 15 per cent. The program listing is available from the author upon request.