Analysis of Diagnostic Reference Level (DRL) Values for Adults Lumbar Spine Anterior-Posterior (AP) and Lateral (LAT) Examination of General Radiographic Modalities in Indonesia Based on Si-INTAN Patient Dose Database

Abstract

Diagnostic Reference Level (DRL) is a tool for optimizing radiation protection for patients. DRL is also applied to the general radiographic modality of the Anterior-Posterior (AP) and Lateral (LAT) lumbar spine examination. This study aims to determine and analyze provincial and national DRL values that are useful as a reference for general radiographic examination of the Lumbar Spine AP and LAT. Using Si-INTAN secondary data starting with grouping and eliminating ESAK values, determining the national body mass reference, calculating the second quartile value (Q2) for local DRL, and third quartile (Q3) for provincial and national. National DRL on this result was also compared regarding DRL in previous studies. The results of this study indicate the DRL values of several provinces in Indonesia on general radiographic examination of the lumbar spine (AP and LAT), namely Banten 4.31 mGy and 7.88 mGy, DKI Jakarta 6.13 mGy and 5.40 mGy, Jambi 1.88 mGy, West Java 2.54 mGy and 4.18 mGy, Central Java 3.25 mGy and 5.81 mGy, Riau Islands 4.19 mGy and 6.78 mGy, Riau 4.31 mGy and 5.90 mGy, Sulawesi Central 2.15 mGy and 9.57 mGy, North Sumatera 1.04 mGy and 2.90 mGy, and national 4.31 mGy and 7.05 mGy. The difference in DRL values is influenced by exposure parameters, the expertise of related human resources, and the patient’s body mass.