Entrance surface and ovarian doses in hysterosalpingography

A survey of entrance surface doses on 40 patients undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG) has been undertaken. HSG is performed on women primarily of child-bearing age, with the dose to the gonads of these patients being of significant interest. Four lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were attached to anatomical landmarks on the patient's skin to measure entrance surface doses. The results ranged from 0.5 mGy to 38.6 mGy with an average entrance surface dose of 13.3 mGy measured at the symphysis pubis. A correlation was observed between the entrance surface dose and imaging technique. Higher doses were measured when 24 x 30 cm film-screen radiography was used as opposed to fluoroscopy using 100 mm cut film for hard copy. Estimates of the organ dose to the ovaries were derived for both techniques yielding 2.8 mGy for 24 x 30 cm film-screen radiography and 1.7 mGy for 100 mm cut film.