Bodily structures and radiation exposure in static x-ray procedures: A contribution to determine national reference data.

Purpose: To contribute data on radiation exposure in static x-ray procedures and to compare them with anthropometric parameters. Method: 121 chest x-rays and 100 lumbar spine examinations were carried out and the dose-area product (DAP) measured for each of the projections. Additionally, body height, body weight and the sagittal and transversal diameters of the examined regions were recorded. Dose measurements were statistically evaluated and the following data determined: Frequency distribution, median, 25%- and 75%-percentiles as well as correlations with sex, body weight and diameters. Results: Median DAP was 13 (men: 16; women: 11) resp. 50 (62; 37) cCycm(2) with pa resp lateral chest x-ray. Values were closely correlated with body weight (r = 0,704/0,659) and diameter of the chest (r = 0,657/0,579). Median DAP was 175 (239; 126) resp 531 (670; 361) cGycm(2) with ap resp lateral lumbar spine examinations. Values were closely correlated with body weight (r = 0,678/0,666) and diameter of the abdomen (r = 0,664/0,658). Conclusions: DAP of chest x-rays and lumbar spine examinations is strongly influenced by the constitution of the patients. Men are nearly twice as largely exposed to radiation as women.