ANALYSIS OF THE POPULATION EXPOSURE LEVELS OF RADIATION DIAGNOSTICS IN THE LENINGRAD REGION IN 2010–2019

Abstract

For successful practical implementation of the principle of optimizing radiation protection of patients in X-ray diagnostics in a selected region of the Russian Federation using diagnostic reference levels and subsequent management of patient exposure doses, it is necessary to have reliable information on the current levels of patient exposure in medical facilities. This information should include data on the structure of the collective dose from medical exposure both in the selected region and in selected medical facilities, and the average (typical) patient doses from most common X-ray and nuclear medicine examinations. Preliminary assessment of medical exposure levels can be performed based on the results of the analysis of state statistical reporting forms, with further detailed studies in separate representative medical facilities. The aim of this study was to analyze the levels of medical exposure during the most common X-ray examinations in the Leningrad region in 2010–2019 based on the analysis of the forms of the federal state statistical observation No 3-DOZ “Information on the exposure doses of patients during medical X-ray examinations” and radiation-hygienic passports of the Leningrad region in 2010–2019. The performed analysis of medical exposure levels indicates that the structure of the collective dose from medical exposure in the Leningrad region significantly differs from the Russian collective dose — a higher contribution of high-dose CT-examinations, a smaller contribution of fluoroscopic examinations and the absence of diagnostic radionuclide examinations. Average effective doses in the Russian Federation are higher for fluorographic, radiographic and other examinations up to a factor 1.5– 2; by 20–30 % for computed tomography and generally comparable for fluoroscopy. Based on the results of the analysis, several X-ray examinations were identified with the maximum contribution to the collective dose from medical exposure of the population in the Leningrad region. Selected X-ray examinations are a priority for detailed data collection in medical organizations of the Leningrad region to assess exposure levels at the level of a particular x-ray unit or CT scanner.