Comparison of radiation doses given in chest imaging, by conventional (film) radiography and digital radiography.

Abstract

Introduction The imaging department in the public health sector is experiencing a change from convention (film) radiographic systems to digital radiographic systems. This will change the way that the image is formed from its acquisition to the viewing, improving the service provided by the imaging department. This will also bring about a change in the radiation doses to which the patients are exposed. Aims/Objective The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the doses that are delivered to the patient when performing a PA chest x-ray, using either a conventional (film-screen combination) system, a computed radiography system and a direct digital radiography system. Methodology In this quantitative, non-experimental research the entrance skin dose delivered to the patient was calculated using an equation that incorporated the output of the tube, the amperage used during the exposure, and the distance of the patient from the tube. This was done while it was assured that the image quality obtained from the three systems was comparable. Results Results obtained demonstrate that there was a significant difference in the dose delivered to the patient by each system. Results show that the newer systems delivered substantial amount of dose less to the patient, having the digital radiography system performing better than the computed radiography system. Conclusion From these results and from other previous studies, the researcher presented his conclusions and recommendation that will help to improve a similar study and how the doses can still be reduced.