Estimation of dose to the unborn child at diagnostic X-ray examinations based on data registered in RIS/PACS.

The aim of this work was to determine mean absorbed doses to the unborn child in common conventional X-ray and computed tomography (CT) examinations and to find an approach for estimating foetal dose based on data registered in the Radiological Information System/Picture Archive and Communication System (RIS/PACS). The kerma-area product (KAP) and CT dose index (CTDI(vol)) in common examinations were registered using a human-shaped female dosimetry phantom. Foetal doses, D(f), were measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters placed inside the phantom and compared with calculated values.