Analysis of Entrance Surface Dose in Diagnostic X-ray Examinations

Abstract

Background: The role of ionizing radiation in diagnostic radiology procedures and clinical treatments is crucial.
Purpose: This study is based on the concept that Entrance Surface Dose (ESD) is the way to access the dose received by the patients during x-ray examinations. The present scientific study aims to estimate the dose received by the patients in diagnostic procedures using ESD determination method.
Material and Methods: For this perspective, the study is based on the assessment of ESD for eleven different anatomical examinations through the Ray Safe Xi dosimeter. Before the investigation, the QA of the X-ray machine is performed, which ensured the performance of the machine.
Results: The mean ESD calculated for different examinations are chest (PA) 0.54±0.121mGy, pelvis (AP) 2.288±0.66mGy, hand (AP) 0.0517±0.0.019 mGy, foot (AP) 0.0894±0.028 mGy, skull (AP) 0.776± 0.131 mGy, knee (AP) 0.017±0.033 mGy, lumbar spine (AP) 2.36±0.83 mGy, lumbar cervical spine (LAT) 2.195±0.63 mGy, elbow (AP) 0.029±0.022 mGy, cervical spine (AP) 0.876±0.63 mGy and shoulder (AP) 0.656±0.28 mGy respectively. The results of assessed ESD is compared with the national and international DRL.
Discussion: This study revealed a significant difference in the radiation dose received by the patients in X-ray examinations at a cancer care hospital of Pakistan. A DRL can be implemented to optimize the radiation dose received by the patients during radiological procedures.