Abstract
This study aimed to calculate patient radiation doses for adults during the seven most commonly performed conventional X-ray procedures, and to propose national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). A representative sample of patients from 29 hospitals was included. The entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) was calculated by measuring X-ray tube output and the corresponding technical and exposure factors for each patient. Third-quartile values of the mean ESAK distributions were proposed as DRL values. The DRLs in mGy were as follows: 0.6 for chest postero–anterior (PA), 3.5 for skull AP, 1.7 for skull lateral (LAT), 2.7 for abdominal, 2.6 for pelvic AP, 3.7 for lumbar spine AP and 8 for lumbar spine LAT. Compared with literature, the maximum percentages increase were in chest PA (329%) and skull AP (187%). Since the suggested DRL for chest PA was higher than literature values, dose optimization and a review of its value is recommended.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 419-426 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Radiation Protection Dosimetry |
Volume | 190 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 1 2020 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
- Radiation
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health