Trends in dosimetry at the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Premature newborns frequently undergo radiographic examinations to assess the development of their lungs and/or other internal organs. Although this group may be extra sensitive to radiation, it is common that multiple examinations are performed. This study analyzes the usage of radiographic examinations in the neonatal intensive care unit in Veldhoven, Netherlands over the past years to investigate where additional actions can lead to improved dosimetry for this special group. The average number of examinations per patient was lower than reported in previous other studies. Also, the amount of examinations decreased over three years, while admittance increased. The group of extremely premature newborns accounts for 1.8 times more examinations than other newborns, which should lead to extra caution for this group. Dose Reference Levels that specifically target them could be a solution. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.