Measurement of radiation doses received by children in excretory urography using a new film-foil combination

The radiation doses received by 34 children of different age during excretory urography were measured. The doses determined using the special Siemens foils were compared with the radiation exposure determined by means of standard universal foils for otherwise identical conditions of examination. The skin doses received by the children, and above all the doses to the female gonads were lower than usual by one half or two thirds. The radiation exposure of the male gonads could be reduced by about 50% in infants and babies. Thus the special Siemens foil rare-earth can be recommended for application in excretory urography in children, despite its reduced life, which is outweighed by reduced costs, and enhanced opacification of the urinary tract using the new contrast media available will make up for the slightly minor image quality to be expected. (orig.)