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 procedure s and to compare them with anthropometric parameters. Method: 121 chest x-r ays and 100 lumbar spine examinations were carried out and the dose-area pr oduct (DAP) measured for each of the projections. Additionally, body height , body weight and the sagittal and transversal diameters of the examined re gions were recorded. Dose measurements were statistically evaluated and the following data determined: Frequency distribution, median, 25%- and 75%-pe rcentiles as well as correlations with sex, body weight and diameters. Resu lts: 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 weig ht (r = 0,704/0,659) and diameter of the chest (r = 0,657/0,579). Median DA P was 175 (239; 126) resp 531 (670; 361) cGycm(2) with ap resp lateral lumb ar 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: D AP of chest x-rays and lumbar spine examinations is strongly influenced by the constitution of the patients. Men are nearly twice as largely exposed t o radiation as women.