Average radiation exposure values for three diagnostic radiographic examinations.
National surveys of more than 600 facilities that performed chest, lumbosacral spine, and abdominal examinations were conducted as a part of the Nationwide Evaluation of X-Ray Trends program. Radiation exposures were measured with use of a set of standard phantoms developed by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Public Health Service. X-ray equipment parameters, film processing data, and data regarding techniques used were collected. There were no differences in overall posteroanterior chest exposures between hospitals and private practices. Seventy-six percent of hospitals used grids, compared with 33% of private practices. In general, hospitals favored a high tube voltage technique, and private facilities favored a low tube voltage technique. Forty-one percent of private practices and 17% of hospitals underprocessed their film. Underprocessing in hospitals increased from 17% in 1984 to 33% in 1987. Average exposure values for these examinations may be useful as guidelines in meeting some of the new requirements of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
Rueter
F G
FG
Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20857.
Conway
B J
BJ
McCrohan
J L
JL
Suleiman
O H
OH
D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006269:Health Facilities, Proprietary; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011859:Radiography; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital; D012447:Sacrum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013548:Sweden; D014481:United States