Current Status of Radiation Dose Levels in Conventional Pediatric Radiography: A Review Study

Abstract

Artificial sources of radiation account for approximately 14% of the annual radiation dose from all sources of radiation. Because of the increased lifetime risk per unit dose for children, radiographic procedures could lead to increase the radiogenic risk of cancer. This study intended to review the pediatric doses in planar radiography procedures and to assess different methods used to reduce the radiation dose for pediatric patients. Studies addressing pediatric dose optimization were identified from a search of the internet scientific databases. The search in literature was limited to journal articles that were written in English. The findings of the study illustrate that there are many available methods of dose reduction are available. The application of dose reduction methods will reduce the dose up to 75% of its current value. Training of staff is the cornerstone of patient dose optimization in pediatric radiology.