Dosimetry in thorax X-rays

The dose to the entrance of thorax during a radiological study has been measured in a phantom of paraffin and with thermoluminescent dosemeters. This work was realized in the living room 1 of the X-rays service of the General Hospital No. 1 IMSS in Zacatecas. For the study thermoluminescent dosemeters of CaSO4:Dy were used. The irradiation of the thoracic region is the more studied through the conventional radiology, method that continues occupying the first place as diagnostic in diverse pathologies due to generates images of the heart, lungs, spine, etc. As well as can to observe the location of subclavian catheters, nasogastric sound, endotracheal tubes and umbilical catheters. The magnitude of the dose that is received during the realization of this study type is not usually measured, since the main concern is to have a good image to make a good diagnostic. The measurements were carried out using parameters of the equipment that were defined with base to the experience of the technical radiologist. It was found that the irradiation field is not uniform and that in any point where the dose was measured it is not exceeded the 7 mGy settled by the Mexican Official Standard-157-SSA-1996 for a thorax study. (author)