Factors influencing patient radiation doses from barium enema examinations.
OBJECTIVE
To analyse factors behind the variation of patient doses from barium enema (BE) examinations.


METHODS
The patients' (n=89) organ and effective doses (E) due to BE examinations were computed with the ODS-60 program. An average risk factor for BE examinations was derived using the BEIR V schema. The correlation of E with several independent variables was analysed.


RESULTS
Median Es at five hospitals were 4.4, 6.1, 7.1, 13 and 16 mSv. The E of the female patients (median 9.2 mSv) was higher than that of the males (median 5.4 mSv) (p<0.001) due to the higher female doses to the gonads, bladder and uterus, resulting from different body structure. An average fatal risk factor of 0.02%. per one BE examination was derived. Factors controlled by the radiologist (screening time, number of exposures) explained 40% and patient-related factors explained 16% of the total variation of E. The equipment-related factors are included in the residual 44%.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to the large contribution of the radiologists' examination technique in the value of E, an optimal examination technique is essential in reducing doses and the stochastic risk to patients.
Vehmas
T
T
Department of Radiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Lampinen
J S
JS
Mertjärvi
A
A
Rannikko
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003287:Contrast Media; D004733:Enema; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D013679:Technology, Radiologic
D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate