ABSTRACT

Background: The risk of exposure to ionizing radiation may affect children more than adults. Therefore, minimizing radiation exposure to pediatric patients should be measured when undergoing X-ray examination.

Aim:: To determine the limit of radiation doses to pediatric patients examined by routine X-ray in radiology departments of hospitals in Erbil, Iraq.

Methodology: The study was conducted on children patients, whose ages were <12 years, who underwent X-ray examination to the skull (AP), chest (AP), and abdomen (AP) in Erbil Hospitals. Entrance skin doses (ESD) delivered to pediatric patients in three Erbil hospitals had been monitored.

Results: Higher pediatric dose was not according to as Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) standards. Radiation exposure was found to be higher to the skull (AP), chest (AP),and abdomen (AP), which is the most performed radiographic areas in pediatric patients. Consequently, there is a need to monitor radiation exposure to pediatric patients in Erbil hospitals.