Radiation doses to paediatric patients undergoing less common radiological procedures involving fluoroscopy

A semi-automated dosimetry survey has been undertaken to monitor the radiation doses to patients in a paediatric fluoroscopy room. The doses were assessed using large area Diamentor ionization chambers to measure dose x area product, and by means of thermoluminescent dosemeters attached to the patient's skin in various places. Details of patients and examinations were entered into a computer, all information being stored on a data base. Many radiological examinations have been monitored, including renal and jejunal biopsies, nephrostograms, loopograms, tracheograms and fistulograms. Patients included in the study have been divided into three age bands for dose assessment. Radiation doses for different types of examination have been compared, including more common examinations for which data have been previously presented.