The assessment of exposure index on the pediatric chest digital radiography

Abstract

Background: Exposure index (EI) is the dose indicator value in digital radiography that radiological technologist used for patient dose monitoring and providing dose optimization, which each manufacturer specified the EI value differently. Objective: To create exposure chart for pediatric chest radiography in order to be used as guidance for radiological technologist. Methods: Data of male and female pediatric patient undergoing PA and AP digital chest radiography aged from newborn to 17 years old with weight and height according to Thai child standard were collected at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital from September to December 2019. The total collecting data were 214 pediatric patients, which consisted of gender, age, weight, height, exposure parameters; kVp, mAs, SID, AEC, grid, and EI value. All data were compared with exposure index that each manufacturer specified. Results: It was found that most pediatric patients undergoing chest radiography have EI value within the range specified by the manufacturer (EI 100 – 300), except for chest radiography in AP upright projection 25% with the value out of the range. Conclusion: This study shows the importance of EI value which indicate the image quality and help the staff to be aware of patient dose. This leads to the exposure chart to be established as guideline for dose optimization for the working staff.