[Practical measurement of radiation dose in pediatric radiology: use of the dose surface product in digital fluoroscopy and for neonatal chest radiographs].
OBJECTIVE
Control of radiation dose in pediatric radiology requires knowledge of the reference levels for all examinations. These data are useful for daily quality assessment, but are not perfectly known for some radiographic examinations. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the dose related to voiding cystourethrograms (VCUG), upper GI (UGI) and intravenous urography (IVU). Neonatal chest radiographs in the intensive care unit were also evaluated.


METHODS
For examinations with contrast material (478VCUG, 220UGI, 80IVU), the children were divided in groups based on their weight, from 5 to 30 Kg. Measurements were performed using an ionization chamber and expressed with the dose-area product (DAP). For chest radiographs, a direct measurement of the entrance-skin dose was performed, with secondary calculation of the DAP.


RESULTS
For VCUGs, the DAP ranged between 42.89cGy.cm2 and 125.41cGy.cm2. The range was between 76.43 and 150.62cGy.cm2 for UGIs and between 49.06 and 83.33cGy.cm2 for IVUs. For neonate chest radiographs, DAP calculations were between 0.29 and 0.99cGy.cm2.


CONCLUSIONS
These values represent our reference doses. They allow continuous monitoring of our radiographic technical parameters and radiographic equipment and help to correct and improve them if necessary.
Chateil
J F
JF
Unité de Radiopédiatrie, Service de Radiologie A, hôpital Pellegrin, Place A. Raba Léon, 33076 Bordeaux cedex. jean.francois.chateil@chu-bordeaux.fr
Rouby
C
C
Brun
M
M
Labessan
C
C
Diard
F
F
D001835:Body Weight; D003287:Contrast Media; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011786:Quality Control; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012015:Reference Standards; D014567:Urography / Q000009:adverse effects*
D003287:Contrast Media