title: [Aspects of radiation protection during chest X-radiography].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Radiation safety in conventional X-ray diagnostics is based on the concepts of justification, optimization of an X-ray examination and limitation of the radiation exposure achieved during the examination. Optimization of an X-ray examination has to be considered as a multimodal process in which all technical components of the X-ray equipment have to be adapted to each other and also have to be adapted to the anthropometric characteristics of patients and the clinical indications.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this article the technical components of a conventional pediatric chest X-radiograph are presented, and recommendations for optimizing chest X-rays in children are provided.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The following measures are of prime importance: correct x-ray beam limitation, using the posteroanterior projection when possible and not using anti-scatter grids in children under approximately 8 years old. In pediatric radiology chest x-rays that are taken not at the peak of inspiration can also be of some diagnostic significance. Optimization of an X-ray examination inevitably results in the limitation of radiation exposure.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Klinische Radiologie - Kinderradiologie, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Klinikum der Universität München, Lindwurmstr. 4, 80337, München, Deutschland, michael.seidenbusch@med.uni-muenchen.de.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Seidenbusch
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schneider
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D000069079:Radiation Exposure / Q000032:analysis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*