Study of Diagnostic Reference Levels Undergoing Digital Chest Radiography at Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeastern, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University

Abstract

Background and objectives: The study aimed to estimate the entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) received by patients during digital chest radiography, establishing typical reference radiation values by comparing the diagnostic reference levels with national (national diagnostic reference levels, NDRLs). The objective was to Radiological technologist to use appropriate radiation doses, ensuring that the levels are neither too high nor too low, while maintaining diagnostic image quality. This also serves as a guideline for reducing radiation doses in chest radiography.

Methods: The study measured the entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) received by patients during Chest PA Upright radiography and portable AP supine radiography using the digital imaging system for patients at the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. The median value of ESAK was calculated to establish typical reference radiation values.

Results: The study found that the typical reference radiation value using the median ESAK for chest PA upright radiography was 0.30 mGy, and for Portable AP Supine radiography was 0.19 mGy. When comparing these values with national (NDRLs) using the 75^th percentile, it was found that the diagnostic reference level for chest PA upright radiography was lower than  the national level (0.40 mGy). For portable AP supine radiography, the diagnostic reference level was lower than the national level (0.34 mGy ).

Conclusion: The technical settings for radiation doses in chest radiography are appropriate, ensuring that patients do not receive surface radiation doses exceeding standard levels.