Radiation exposure to patients during radiological examinations of the gastro-intestinal tract: intrahospital dose variations

Skin and gonad doses have been measured in 144 adult patients undergoing barium meal and barium enema examinations at a University Teaching Hospital. Intrahospital variations are discussed and their implications for national dose surveys considered. It is suggested that, due to differences in leakage and scattered radiation levels, overcouch tube machines may deliver higher doses to organs outside the useful beam than undercouch units. The study also points towards increased film consumption in GIT studies. (author)