Comparison of dosimetry and image quality of conventional X-ray equipments used for chest x-ray and X-ray of the abdomen and pelvis at an GHT (Territorial Hospital Group) level

Objectives:This study aims to establish a complete and detailed territorial mapping of the radiology roomspresent on a << Territorial Hospital Group (GHT) >>, both for image quality and for the dosimetry of chest andabdomen and pelvis radiographs.Materials and methods:On the different GHT installations, the incidentair-kerma (Ki) and the assessment of image quality using the TOR 18-FG test object was performed on aPMMA phantom simulating the attenuation of a patient of standard size. An additional retrospective studyalso evaluated the clinical performance of the facilities.Results:The territorial engagement allowed tocollecte data for a total of 23 radiology rooms. For the dosimetric part, there are factors 10.3; 8.6 and 8.2between the extreme values of Kirespectively for the << standing x-ray of abdomen and pelvis >>, << spine x-rayof abdomen and pelvis >> and << chest x-ray >>. In terms of image quality, the disparities observed are muchsmaller and seem more related to detection technology. Conclusion:The work carried out has revealedconsiderable variations in the dosimetry of the radiographs. While protocol settings are often responsible forthese differences, users also have a major role in the radioprotection of patients.