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Introduction The focus on paediatric radiation dose reduction supports reevaluation of paediatric imaging protocols. This is particularly important in the neonates where chest radiographs are frequently requested to assess respiratory illness and line placement. This study aims to assess the impact of neonatal chest radiographic protocols on patient dose in four hospitals in different countries. Methods Exposure parameters, collimation, focus to skin distance (FSD) and radiation dose from 200 neonatal chest radiographs were registered prospectively. Inclusion criteria consisted of both premature and full-term neonates weighing between 1000 and 5000 g. Only data from the examinations meeting diagnostic criteria and approved for the clinical use were included. Radiation dose was assessed using dose area product (DAP). Results The lowest DAP value (4.58 mGy cm2) was recorded in the Norwegian hospital, employing a high kVp, low mAs protocol using a DR system. The Canadian hospital recorded the highest DAP (9.48), using lower kVp and higher mAs with a CR system, including the addition of a lateral projection. The difference in the mean DAP, weight, field of view (FOV) and kVp between the hospitals is statistically significant (p Conclusion Use of non-standardised imaging protocols in neonatal chest radiography results in differences in patient dose across hospitals included in the study. Using higher kVp, lower mAs and reducing the number of lateral projections to clinically relevant indications result in a lower DAP measured in the infant sample studied. Further studies to examine image quality based on exposure factors and added filtration are recommended. Implications for practice Reevaluation of paediatric imaging protocols presents an opportunity to reduce patient dose in a population with increased sensitivity to ionising radiation.

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to compare the diagnostic value of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital intraoral periapical imaging methods in the diagnosis of periodontal defects, and the comparison of observers practicing dentistry in the field of periodontology and 3 other observers specialized in various branches was evaluated. Methods: 7 dry mandible and 5 dry maxilla were used in this study. A total of 111 artificial and natural defects (dehiscence, furca, fenestration, vertical defects) on the anterior, premolar and molar region were imaged with digital imaging techniques using different exposure parameters and scanned with CBCT. Results: According to the results of this study, CBCT is a more reliable method in the evaluation of all periodontal defects compared to CCD and PSP. 60 and 70 kVp with 0.01 irradiation time in CCD and 70 kVp 0.25 irradiation time in PSP is not suitable for detecting defects owing to high contrast. In the evaluation of periodontal defects, there was no single observer who had good results, different imaging methods and varying results were obtained in different defects. Conclusion: This study showed that the CBCT method has some diagnostic value for detecting all natural and simulated periodontal defects but it should only be used in cases where clinical evaluation and conventional radiographic imaging do not provide the information necessary for an adequate diagnosis and proper periodontal treatment planning.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of collimation on image quality and radiation dose to the eye lenses of the personnel involved in computed radiography of the canine pelvis.Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of canine pelvic radiographs (N = 54) was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between image quality and the degree of field the collimation used. This was followed by a prospective cadaver study (N = 18) that assessed the effects on image quality and on scattered radiation dose of different collimation field areas and exposure parameters. All radiographs were analyzed for image quality using a Visual Grading Analysis (VGA) with three observers. Finally, the potential scattered radiation dose to the eye lens of personnel restraining a dog for pelvic radiographs was measured.Results: The retrospective study showed a slightly better (statistically non-significant) VGA score for the radiographs with optimal collimation. Spatial and contrast resolution and image sharpness showed the greatest improvement in response to minimizing the collimation field. The prospective study showed slightly better VGA scores (improved image quality) with the optimal collimation. Increasing the exposure factors especially the tube current and exposure time (mAs) resulted in improved low contrast resolution and less noise in the radiographs. The potential eye lens radiation dose increased by 14, 28, and 40% [default exposures, increased the tube peak potential (kVp), increased mAs, respectively] as a result of reduced collimation (increased beam size).Conclusion: The degree of collimation has no statistically significant on image quality in canine pelvic radiology for the range of collimation used but does have an impact on potential radiation dose to personnel in the x-ray room. With regard to radiation safety, increases in kVp are associated with less potential scatter radiation exposure compared to comparable increases in mAs.

The aim of this study is essentially to evaluate radiation doses to paediatric patients who were referred for chest X-ray examination between April, 2015 and December, 2016 in three hospitals South-West, Nigeria. The methodology employed in this study involved measurements based on the use of exposure parameters to determine Entrance Surface Dose (ESD). A total of one hundred (100) paediatric patients randomly chosen were included in this study. ESD was determined from exposure parameters using dose calculation software (Dosecal). The results of this study show that the range of Entrance Surface Doses (ESDs) obtained for 0-1year patient is 38.00-150.00 µGy, for 1-5 years is 43.34-194.00 µGy, for 5-10 years is 74.00-223.00 µGy and for 10-15 years is 87.60-292.00 µGy. The mean ESDs obtained in this study were found to be relatively lower than the ESDs obtained in other previous studies in Nigeria but higher than the recommended reference dose value given by the European guidelines. This indicates that more attention needs to be given to X-ray facilities in the Country and that X-ray departments need to review their practice in terms of training and re-training of radiographers, repeated chest X-ray procedures for paediatrics, calibration of X-ray machines and standardisation of processing chemicals in order to bring dose given to patients to optimum levels. This study has also revealed the need to have dedicated X-ray facilities for paediatrics throughout the country.