Estimation of Entrance Surface Dose and Dose Area Product in Most Frequently Used Radiography Examinations in Hamadan

Abstract

Background: Radiation dose in C-arm procedure and radiography may lead to late complications such as cancer. Entrance surface dose (ESD) and dose area product (DAP) are two practical indicators for patient dose estimation. This study aimed to calculate ESD and DAP based on exposure parameters for the most common radiographic examinations in educational hospitals of Hamadan. Methods: This work was conducted in three radiography centers in Hamadan in 2020. ESD was determined using a standard equation. Radiation parameters, including maximum kilovolt and milliampere-seconds (mAs), were obtained from the device console, and the output factor was obtained from the calibration certificate. Eventually, ESD and DAP were computed for the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvic radiography examinations. Results: Means of ESD and DAP were 0.68±0.44 mGy and 274.03±179.84 mGy.cm2 for head, as well as 0.13±0.07 mGy and 117.64±70.07 mGy.cm2 for chest. In addition, the corresponding valures were 1.31±0.82 mGy and 1187.17±738.3 mGy.cm2 for the abdomen, as well as 0.84±0.83 mGy and 764.84±753.59 mGy.cm2 for the pelvic. The difference in ESD and DAP for all examinations between centers was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Several factors affect radiation exposure and patient dose in radiography. Some of these factors are subjective and depend on technician knowledge. It is possible to reduce the patients’ dose while maintaining image quality by regular training of technicians.