Affiliations: Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Health,
Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran | Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Health,
Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Note: [] Corresponding author: Seyed Ali Rahimi, Department of Medical
Physics, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Km 18
Khazarabad Road, and P.O. BOX, 48175-1553, Sari, Iran. Tel.: +98 1513543082;
Fax: +98 1513542473; E-mail: rahimi201@yahoo.com
Abstract: Background and purpose: Radiographic techniques are essential
methods of diagnosis, and their use has been increased, especially with the
development of the new technologies. Inappropriate administration of these
techniques may put both the patients and personnel at unnecessary risks. The
objective of this research was to measure the skin dose of chest and skull
radiographies used in Mazandaran hospitals and to compare these doses with
national and international standards. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, six X-ray
generators at six hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical
Sciences were included. One hundred and twenty patients referred to the
radiology wards for radiographic examinations of chest and skull with normal
body mass index (BMI) were selected (20 patients for each radiography unit).
The generators were matched for mAs, kvp, type of amplifier sheets, and
technical conditions as much as possible. Calibrated thermo luminescence
dosimeters (TLD-USA, Lif-100) were used to measure the skin dose by placing
them on the patients' back and the absorbed doses by TLDs were read by a TLD
reader (model: Harshuu, TLD3500, Japan). Results: The mean values of the skin dose were 0.51 mGray for
posteroanterior (PA), chest X-ray (CXR), 3.36 mGray for lateral CXR, 7.25 mGray
for anterroposterior (AP) or PA skull X-rays, and 7.59 mGray for lateral skull
X-rays. The measured values were higher than the national and international
standards. Conclusion: The results of this research revealed that the
conditions of the X-ray generators should be monitored and modified
periodically. Modifying the X-ray generators plus improving technicians' skills
would, to some extent, reduce the radiation exposure of the patients.
