Introduction: X¬-rays of the head, pelvis and lungs are one of the basic diagnostic tests. However, pelvic and lung x-rays imaging is one of the most frequent examinations in general radiographs. Purpose: The purpose of the research was to compare radiation dose and image quality for pelvis, chest and head imaging between all major Slovenian healthcare institutions. Methods: The study included 27 X-ray units and was performed on anthropomorphic phantoms. In the study we included X-ray protocols for images of the chest, pelvis and head. Dose area product (DAP) was measured, entrance skin dose (ESD) and effective dose were calculated, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was measured. Total score was calculated for each unit based on the evaluation of each criterion.Results: 3rd quartile DAP and ESD values for most common examinations were calculated and compared to already established diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) found during literature review. Tube voltages used by each unit were compared to recommended values. When imaging the head in the AP projection, in 30% (phantom 1) and 26% (phantom 2) of the images, the values of the selected anode voltage are outside the European guidelines and 48% in the side projection. In pelvic imaging, in the AP projection, 22% of measurements are otside of the refrence interval (75 kV - 90 kV). When imaging the thoracic organs in the PA projection, 30% of the measurements correspond to European guidelines and have a refrence line at 125 kV, while in the side projection it corresponds to 33% of the measurements. The third quartile of DAP values for head imaging (Phantom 1) in AP projection is 41.4 μGym² and 26.9 μGy.m² in STR projection. For head imaging (Phantom 2) in AP projection, the third quartile of DAP values are 44.5 μGy.m² and 32.2 μGy.m² in STR. In pelvic imaging in AP projection, the third quartile represents a value of 99.5 μGy.m². For lung imaging in PA projection, the third quartile of DAP value is 4.5 μGy.m² and 3.8 μGy.m² in STR. Discussion and conclusion: We found that there are differences with exposure parameters, DAP values, effective dose, dose on a specific organ and image quality among Slovenian medical institutions. The DAP and VKD values of the third quartile in a diagnostic X-ray machines are generally quite low compared to other studies, but some changes in imaging protocols on diagnostic X-ray machines are still recommended to improve image quality or reduce radiation dose.
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