[Body build and radiation exposure in static roentgen studies (I): A contribution for determining a national reference dose value. Promoted by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (St.Sch 4163)].
OBJECTIVE
To contribute data on radiation exposure in static x-ray procedures and to compare them with anthropometric parameters.


METHODS
121 chest x-rays and 100 lumbar spine examinations were carried out and the dose-area product (DAP) measured for each of the projections. Additionally, body height, body weight and the sagittal and transversal diameters of the examined regions were recorded. Dose measurements were statistically evaluated and the following data determined: Frequency distribution, median, 25%- and 75%-percentiles as well as correlations with sex, body weight and diameters.


RESULTS
Median DAP was 13 (men: 16; women: 11) resp. 50 (62; 37) cGycm2 with pa resp lateral chest x-ray. Values were closely correlated with body weight (r = 0.704/0.659) and diameter of the chest (r = 0.657/0.579). Median DAP was 175 (239; 126) resp 531 (670; 361) cGycm2 with ap resp lateral lumbar spine examinations. Values were closely correlated with body weight (r = 0.678/0.666) and diameter of the abdomen (r = 0.664/0.658).


CONCLUSIONS
DAP of chest x-rays and lumbar spine examinations is strongly influenced by the constitution of the patients. Men are nearly twice as largely exposed to radiation as women.
Golder
W
W
Klinik für Radiologie und Nuklearmedizin, Klinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin. golder@cipmail.ukbf.fu-berlin.de
Weiner
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D002138:Calibration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection; D011859:Radiography; D011874:Radiometry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012016:Reference Values; D013008:Somatotypes; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013896:Thoracic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*