A computerized X-ray dose-monitoring system.
An x-ray dose-monitoring system using a small digital computer is described. Initially, and for every 6 months afterward, the system is calibrated using an exposure meter. For each exposure, the computer receives values of x-ray technique and beam geometry from the x-ray generator through a specially designed electronic interface. Then, by means of calibration data, entrance exposure, area exposure product, and integral dose are obtained and printed for each patient examined. The overall accuracy of the system is better than +/- 20%. Operation is semiautomatic, requiring minimum operator intervention. Over 2,000 patients have been monitored with the device. Because the system is computer-based, it offers the opportunity for statistical analysis of the data base created, as the results for each patient are stored on computer disk.
D002138:Calibration; D003201:Computers; D006801:Humans; D008838:Microcomputers; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography / Q000295:instrumentation*