Radiation exposure during chest X-ray examinations in a premature intensive care unit: phantom studies

Background. There are few reports on the radiation dose received by infants , their family and radiographers exposed to scatter radiation in a prematur e baby intensive care unit. Objective. To evaluate the degree of radiation exposure from diagnostic X-r ay examinations with mobile Xray machines in a premature intensive care uni t. Materials and methods. The radiation exposure of an adjacent newborn, the r adiographer and other persons in the room was simulated using phantoms duri ng X-ray examination of the chest using vertical and horizontal beams. Results. Most of the measured doses were below the registration limit of th e measuring apparatus and had to be extrapolated by multiple exposures. Wit hout exception, the maximal doses were significantly lower than the permitt ed limit for persons not professionally exposed to Xrays. Conclusions. Recommendations to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure are gi ven.