title: The effect of source to image distance on radiation risk to the patient.
abstract: The Monte Carlo package PCXMC was used to determine the effect of source to image distance (SID) on effective dose to the patient in diagnostic radiology. A range of common examinations was used, with a range of distances from 75 cm to 200 cm. The results showed that the radiation risk (effective dose) is virtually independent of the SID. In cases where a radiation sensitive organ is close to the edge of the x-ray field, the effective dose increases slightly with distance. In other cases there was either no dependence, or a small reduction in risk with increasing SID. There is therefore no justification in terms of radiation risk for a change in the standard SID of 1 m that is currently used for most projections.
authors: UNITEC Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. jpoletti@unitec.ac.nz
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Poletti
mesh_terms: D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008954:Models, Biological; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011859:Radiography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal / Q000009:adverse effects; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000009:adverse effects; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014567:Urography / Q000009:adverse effects