RESUMO
Background: X-ray examination is a popular and universally used injury and disease diagnostic method. A distinctive X ray examination feature is that it can be done quickly which is extremely important in case of the need for rapid diagnosis of patients in life threatening condition. Another advantage of the X-ray examinations is also relatively low cost of carry. However, X-ray examination involve adverse health effects. During the examination the patient is subjected to ionizing radiation that might have impact on his health. Objective: The aim of this study has been to determine and assess the size of the entrance surface doses (ESD) received by patients during selected X-ray examinations performed on the basis of the medical working procedures available in healthcare entities in Masovian Voivodeship in Poland. Materials and Method: The examinations were conducted for 71 X-ray units located in the Masovian Voivodeship. Measurements of doses received by the patients were based on our own validated test methods. Results: It was found that the range applied to the high voltage in healthcare entities does not always coincide with the values specified in the standard procedures. It was found in the skull projection radiography AP and LAT that the recorded values were from range 60 to 82 kV (the average value of 74 kV) while in accordance with a standard procedure they should be in the range from 65 to 75 kV. Only in case of cervical spine radiography in the AP projection, the LAT exposure conditions were matching with the standard obligatory procedures in Poland. The consequence of selecting exposure conditions are significant differences in the size of the doses the patient receive during the same medical procedures. The greatest range of ESD doses was found during radiography of the thoracic spine in the projection AP and LAT. The projection LAT measured values were in the range of 523 to 10550 µGy (average value 2175 µGy). Conclusions: It is necessary to update immediately the standard procedures and to develop detailed guidelines for the preparation of working procedures in X-ray rooms.
