Estimation of patient doses for common diagnostic X-ray examinations in Latvian hospitals, analysis of radiographic techniques and comparison with European guidelines.

This article deals with the estimation of doses received by patients undergoing radiological examinations in order to establish dose reference levels (DRLs) in Latvia. Several large hospitals, small hospitals and private practices were selected for patient dose measurements. The measurements were carried out using calibrated thermoluminiscence dosemeters attached to the patient's skin. Exposure parameters and patient's data were recorded. The entrance surface doses (ESDs) to patients undergoing several common X-ray examinations (chest AP/PA, chest LAT, lumbar spine AP/PA, lumbar spine LAT and pelvis) were measured. Data concerning the kV(p) settings, used type of films, focus-film distance and the ESD values were analysed and compared with those recommended by the European Community (EC). Among the different hospitals and private practices, discrepancies in the patient doses and techniques used for the examination were found, where the doses exceeded the EC recommended values owing to a very low kV(p) and a very low sensitivity of the screen film combinations used.