Quantitative assessment of entrance surface doses for trauma patients during multifield plain radiography procedures: a phantom study

Trauma patients often require several radiographic examinations, leading to increased exposure to ionizing radiation. Optimizing imaging parameters is essential to ensure patient safety while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. This study aims to compare entrance surface doses (ESDs) between standard guideline- recommended imaging parameters and those used in clinical practice to support radiation dose optimization. Methods: The ESDs were directly measured using thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips placed on a whole-body PIXY® phantom. For the indirect method, ESDs were estimated using data on the X-ray tube radiation output and exposure parameters (kVp and mAs), following the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Report Series No. 457. Measurements were performed across five different X-ray anterior-posterior (AP) projections, including skull, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and lumbar. Exposure settings were selected based on two approaches: standard and clinical exposure conditions