Dose reduction in double contrast barium enema by use of low fluoroscopic current

Under standard conditions double contrast barium enema (DCBE) was carried out on a selected patient cohort using either standard (1.5 mA) or low (0.5 mA) fluoroscopic current. A statistically significant (p < or = 0.01) reduction in total dose was achieved by use of low screening current. This reduction was of the order of 40%. Fluoroscopic image quality was analysed both objectively and subjectively, and was found not to be significantly degraded when the lower current was used. On blinded evaluation all examinations were found to be of diagnostic quality. The use of low fluoroscopic current results in a reduction in patient dose, without compromising fluoroscopic image quality or diagnostic standard of the examination. Low fluoroscopic current technique has been adopted as the standard in our department.