Estimation of Entrance Skin Dose (ESD) for Pediatric Patients During Chest X-ray Examinations in Omdurman Military Hospital

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the Entrance Skin Dose (ESD) received from chest X-ray examinations in pediatric patients .The study was conducted in the Military Hospital at Omdurman. 64 patients were included in the study and were classified into five age groups(>1year),(1->5 years ),(5->10 years),(10- >15 year and (15years) Calculations were performed using exposure factors, KVp, mAS and FSD, together with patient data ( age, height in cm. , and weight in Kg.). Two examination projections have been investigated, namely Antero- posterior (AP) and postero-anterior (PA) .The ESD values were calculated , analyzed using statistical analysis methods and compared with International dose references .The ESD was determined by using the equation : . The Entrance Skin Dose was found to be, 60 µGy for children up to 1 year, 60 µGy for(1- 5 )years, 120 µGy for(5- 10 )years and 150 µGy for(10- 15) years old children. These values are within the International reference levels and it has been found that the ESD increases with the age & the increase in exposure parameters Kvp and mAs . The researcher recommended that all x-ray equipment should be regularly checked and quality control tests should be done and standardized, specially the exposure parameters in pediatric imaging to reduce doses because the pediatrics are more sensitive to radiation than adults .