Determination of Entrance Skin Dose from Diagnostic Chest X-Ray at Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Azare, Nigeria

The aim of this study was to investigate entrance skin dose (ESDs) and the consequent health risk for the 20 patients undergoing diagnostic posterior anterior (PA) Chest X-ray examinations at federal university of health sciences teaching hospital, azare. The ESDs were calculated for each patient based on their specific exposure parameters: tube voltage (kVp), tube current (mAs) and focus to skin Distance (FSD). The results indicated a range of values between 0.18 mGy and 0.39 mGy, with a mean value of 0.26 mGy. The average ESD obtained was within the WHO’s recommended limit of 0.3 mGy when compared to the standard dose typically received by patients during chest X-ray examinations. Nonetheless, results showed that four samples, specifically S4, S10, S18, and S19, had ESD values exceeded the permissible limit, with corresponding values of 0.37, 0.39, 0.36, and 0.35 mGy., respectively. The findings also demonstrate that variations in kVp and mAs settings influence the resulting ESD, highlighting their importance in optimizing imaging techniques and reducing radiation dose. There is a need for continuous monitoring and optimizing radiation doses to guarantee that patients receive only the minimum dose required for accurate diagnosis while reducing potential radiation risks.