Effective dose equivalents, HE, in diagnostic radiology

Abstract

Values of the effective dose equivalent, HE, per unit entrance skin dose (+ backscatter) are presented for twelve common radiological examinations. These HE data are derived from organ doses calculated for standard man using Monte Carlo techniques and are based on a specific beam size. The resultant HE data are presented as functions of x-ray kVp, beam filtration (mm A1) and the projection (anterior-posterior (AP); posterior-anterior (PA); lateral; or oblique) used. In addition, two methods are presented which permit the computation of HE values for standard man for radiological examinations, which employ different field sizes.