Radiation exposure during chest X-ray examinations in a premature intensive care unit: phantom studies.

BACKGROUND

There are few reports on the radiation dose received by infants, their family and radiographers exposed to scatter radiation in a premature baby intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the degree of radiation exposure from diagnostic X-ray examinations with mobile X-ray machines in a premature intensive care unit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The radiation exposure of an adjacent newborn, the radiographer and other persons in the room was simulated using phantoms during X-ray examination of the chest using vertical and horizontal beams.

RESULTS

Most of the measured doses were below the registration limit of the measuring apparatus and had to be extrapolated by multiple exposures. Without exception, the maximal doses were significantly lower than the permitted limit for persons not professionally exposed to X-rays.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure are given.