The National Diagnostic Reference Level in Routine Digital Radiography Examinations in Iran

Background:The ionizing radiation has an indispensable role in diagnostic radiology and clinical treatments.Apparently, medical exposure in diagnostic radiology pertains to be the preeminent man-made source of radiation.Objective: The nobility of the present scientific study was to establish a precise national diagnostic reference levels (NDRLs) in digital radiography in Iran.Methods: Conceptually, 15358 patients participated in 85 X-ray rooms and the data was obtained from five different age groups: 0>1 year, 1>5 years, 5>10 years, 10>15 years.And eventually in adults in each projection.The dosimetry protocol was indirect for measuring Entrance Surface Air Kerma (ESAK). Results:The national diagnostic reference level was settled for Skull (PA), Skull (Lat), Cervical spine (AP), Cervical spine (Lat), Chest (PA), Chest (Lat), Abdomen (AP), Lumbar spine (AP), Lumbar spine (Lat), Pelvis (AP), Thoracic spine (AP), and Thoracic spine (Lat). Conclusion:A wide variations of radiation dose for x-ray examinations among hospitals in Iran was proceeded; furthermore, it was magnificently attained that the DRL for adult chest (PA) examination could be higher than European countries and Turkey; because of the high exposure parameters could be applied.