Measurement of radiation doses in the most frequent simple examinations in paediatric radiology and its dependence on patient age.

Radiation doses to patients were measured in four X-ray rooms specifically devoted to paediatric radiology, from two hospitals. The study was performed for the most frequent simple examinations, namely abdomen, hip and pelvis, skull, spine and chest. Patients were classed into four different age groups: 0.1-1 year, greater than 1-5 years, greater than 5-10 years and greater than 10-14 years. Operating X-ray generator parameters and entrance surface doses were recorded for all groups. Representative values were obtained for standard working conditions prior to any correcting action being taken. Dose values are reported, and some of the differences between the results found in the rooms for each examination are discussed. Without attempting to relate adult and paediatric radiology, the entrance surface doses measured and the provisionally recommended CEC values for similar examinations in adult patients are compared.