Evaluation of exposure parameters in plain radiography: a comparative study with European guidelines

Abstract

Typical distribution of exposure parameters in plain radiography is unknown in Portugal. This study aims to identify exposure parameters that are being used in plain radiography in the Lisbon area and to compare the collected data with European references [Commission of European Communities (CEC) guidelines]. The results show that in four examinations (skull, chest, lumbar spine and pelvis), there is a strong tendency of using exposure times above the European recommendation. The X-ray tube potential values (in kV) are below the recommended values from CEC guidelines. This study shows that at a local level (Lisbon region), radiographic practice does not comply with CEC guidelines concerning exposure techniques. Further national/local studies are recommended with the objective to improve exposure optimisation and technical procedures in plain radiography. This study also suggests the need to establish national/local diagnostic reference levels and to proceed to effective measurements for exposure optimisation.

Diagnostic radiographic examinations in Saudi Arabia based on thermoluminescent dosimetery

“…Specifically, at KKUH, the higher potential values and the lower current values allowed a considerable dose reduction without loss of image quality. Indeed, it has previously been reported that higher potential values allow considerable dose reduction without sacrificing image quality (Lanca et al, 2008).…”

“…A lack of implemented local/national recommendations may be another possible cause. In Portugal, a wide variability in patient dose values due to a lack of implemented local/national recommendations, as well as a lack of criteria for good radiographic techniques was reported (Lanca et al, 2008). Implementation of national references could achieve an ESD reduction of between 30 and 60% below the Commission of European Communities (CEC) recommendations (Vano et al, 2002).…”

“…Various researchers who have carried out national and international surveys have reported wide variations in patient dose arising from specific x-ray examination (Seeram et al, 2006;Asadinezhad, 2007, 2008;Lanca et al, 2008). Medical uses of radiation have grown very rapidly over the past decade.…”

Performance comparison between three intraoral image receptors of different technology at a variety of tube potential, tube current and exposure time settings using a stepwedge phantom

“…In the international literature many articles can be found describing digital detector systems and presenting comparisons among various systems with regard to their diagnostic performance [5][6][7][8][9]. The characteristics of the x-ray beam, especially the x-ray beam energy, can also contribute to image quality.…”