Evaluation of Entrance Skin Radiation Exposure Dose for Pediatrics Examined by Digital Radiography

Abstract

The main objective of this study to evaluate the entrance skin radiation exposure dose for pediatrics that examined by digital radiography because the Entrance skin dose (ESD) of pediatric x-ray department may be exceeding the reference dose level and many departments don't use recommended radiographic parameters for pediatrics. measured the entrance skin dose (ESD) received by 152 pediatrics (78 males and 74 females) aged between 2- 15 years old undergoing 12 types of diagnostic X-ray examination at Radiology Department of Asser Central Hospital-KSA in period between august 2013 to July 2015. The entrance skin dose ESD was determined via measurements parameters: focus to skin distance (FSD), tube current ( mAs )and tube voltage (kV) in arithmetical equation .The mean ±SD for ESDs were found to be 0.16±0.03, 0.21±0.01, 0.63±0.26, 0.58±0.09, 0.20±0.05, 0.26±0.06, 0.44±0.19, 0.46±0.18, 0.52±0.12, 0.21±0.02, 0.35±0.01, 0.28±0.03, for PA chest, foot, AP pelvis, PA skull, PA hand, AP arm, ankle, AP shoulder, abdomen, forearm, AP femur, AP elbow consequently. The mean ESD values obtained are found to be within the standard reference. The data obtained may add to the available information in national records for general use. It may provide guidance on where efforts on dose reduction will need to be directed to fulfill the requirements of the optimization process and serve as a reference for future researches.