Ces radiol. 2008, 62(1):103-109

Radiation exposure of newborns in the Czech RepublicOriginal article

Lucie Súkupová¹, Leoš Novák¹, Jiří Rada², Jiří Oceánský²

¹ Státní ústav radiační ochrany, Praha

² Státní ústav radiační ochrany, Ostrava

Aim: The aim of the study was to review radiology procedures for lung imaging used in perinatological and intermediary care centres in the Czech Republic. Optimization of the procedures and radiation protection of the newborn patients was evaluated.

Method: Eighteen specialized centres received a questionnaire concerning X-ray examinations of newborns. Measurement of entrance surface air kerma and exposure time was performed in the centres and clinical exposure parameters were recorded. Obtained values were compared with values recommended by European Commission and values stated in a proposal of national standards for diagnostic radiology procedures.

Results: The questionnaires were completed and the measurements were performed in 15 from altogether 18 centres in the Czech Republic. No clinically used X-ray equipment fulfilled required filtration settings. Exposure time of 4 ms was fulfilled only in one centre; however, too high voltage was used there. Value of entrance surface air kerma 65 μGy was proposed as a national diagnostic reference level for X-ray lung examination of a newborn.

Conclusion: Newborns are frequently X-rayed in the specialized centres using unsuitable X-ray equipment and clinical exposure parameters are not sufficiently optimized . The study has shown a necessity to deal with this topic to optimize the X-ray procedures and radiation protection of newborns.

Keywords: entrance surface air kerma, newborn, exposure time, radiation exposure

Grants and funding:

Práce byla řešena v rámci veřejné zakázky ve výzkumu a vývoji SÚJB č. 7/2006.

Accepted: December 15, 2007; Published: March 1, 2008  Show citation