What is the difference in radiation dosage between digital and film x-rays?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the differences in radiation dosage between digital and film x-rays, particularly in the context of medical tests for a child. Participants explore various aspects of x-ray technology, including device specifics, dosage calculations, and safety concerns related to radiation exposure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks help from a radiation physicist to calculate x-ray dosage in mSv.
  • Another asks for details about the x-ray device used and the specific tests conducted.
  • Several participants mention that digital x-rays typically emit less radiation than film x-rays, but caution that incorrect exposure settings can lead to higher doses.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the lack of knowledge among medical staff about radiation doses, with one participant citing an incident of excessive CT scans leading to radiation burns.
  • Some participants suggest that the operational manual of the x-ray device may contain information on dosage, and emphasize the importance of proper training for technicians regarding radiation safety.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the safety measures taken by technicians, highlighting a misunderstanding of radiation exposure risks.
  • There is a request for specific comparisons of dosage or kVp values between digital and film x-rays, indicating uncertainty about the extent of the differences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and concern regarding radiation dosage, with some agreeing that digital x-rays generally have lower doses, while others highlight potential risks associated with improper use. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact differences in dosage between digital and film x-rays.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the differences in radiation dosage may depend on specific device models and settings, and that assumptions about safety may not always align with actual practices in medical settings.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to medical professionals, parents considering x-ray tests for children, and individuals concerned about radiation exposure from medical imaging.

Nidal
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Is there a radiation physicist can help me calculate my xray medical tests by msv ?

Thank u
 
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Do you know any info about the x-ray device? How much it emits or anything? Also, what kind of X-ray did you get and to what location?
 
Hi, its for my child 2 years & 3 months.
General Electric Device, In Emergency Section, 3 Lung Xray, ( Digital ).
After Amonth, Same Room, 3 Knees Xray, ( Digital ).
After aweak, asmaller device in children section, i think its general electric also, digital, 6 pelvis included knees Xrays, no protection to stomach or penis, but when i opened the cd, the first 2 tests in emergency section was more clear photos than the third.

12 tests in 42 days.
 
the clearer the photos the higher the kvp... seems like some serious dose rates, most lead shields are .5mm lead, I would use a few of them if it were me under the primary beam.
 
I don't know the average power of x-ray machines, so I cannot make a guess. Perhaps someone else does?
 
One of the weirdest things with medical x-ray is that usually none of the doctors or technicians got a slightest clue what the dose is. That kind of boggles my mind.
Then, as consequence, such stuff happens:
http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?sec=ser&sub=def&pag=dis&ItemID=83566
"the technologist took 151 CT scans in a 65-minute period", resulting in radiation burn.
It is not an uncommon occurrence. This sort of injury is directly caused by viewing effects of radiation as 'negligible'.

You can probably find the dose from the operational manual of the exact device in question. If technicians do not know it[the exact dose], they did not RTFM properly.
 
Last edited:
Yeah, you need to know the digital x-ray device and also the type of electronic sensor to calculate dose. Normally, the dose should be less than with using film x-ray but wrong length of exposure(as in they did not RTFM properly) and/or excessive frequency(since dose is reduced they think nothing of taking more x-rays than really needed) sometimes ends up giving the recipient more exposure than less.
 
  • #10
Dmytry said:
One of the weirdest things with medical x-ray is that usually none of the doctors or technicians got a slightest clue what the dose is. That kind of boggles my mind.
Then, as consequence, such stuff happens:
http://www.auntminnie.com/index.asp?sec=ser&sub=def&pag=dis&ItemID=83566
"the technologist took 151 CT scans in a 65-minute period", resulting in radiation burn.
It is not an uncommon occurrence. This sort of injury is directly caused by viewing effects of radiation as 'negligible'.

You can probably find the dose from the operational manual of the exact device in question. If technicians do not know it[the exact dose], they did not RTFM properly.

I could definitely see some additional training or emphasis placed on training technicians. That is, if they don't already receive training for it.
 
  • #11
The problem IMO arises as the techs/staff have little knowledge about the dangers of ionizing radiation, One tech told me once that she's safe as long as she is 5 feet away from the tube. I thought she was joking but she was serious, I asked her if she wanted me to take the lead and lead glass window out of the control screen since its not needed. It would be a real eye opener if the techs were given the use of the radiation safety officers meters to see what type of scatter is emitted from not only the patient but the tube itself. the cumulative dose during a yearly workload is something no tech has ever mention in my presence.
 
  • #13
Danuta said:
This calculator is for film x-rays. OP states "digital" where dosage should be much less.

Can you or anyone kindly produce the difference in dose or even kvp or msv towards digital and film type radiation exposure. dosage much less? not even close IMHO

ty
 

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