Background and purpose: Estimation of the risks of radiation would be possible by identifying the dose received. Introducing the dose level from diagnostic procedures can be effective in reducing the patient dose, improving the quality of treatment, and increasing the safety of patients and staff. This study evaluated patient entrance surface dose (ESD), effective dose, and cumulative dose from most common radiography procedures.

Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted in which patient dose level from most common radiography procedures in two referral hospitals (Imam Khomeini and Bu-Ali Sina, Sari, Iran) were evaluated in 2015. X-ray tube output was measured in 1m from the tube focal spot in several kVp. ESD (mGy) value in every procedure was calculated while considering its radiographic conditions (kV, mAs and FFD). The effective dose (ED) (mSv) per examination was also calculated from appropriate ED/ESD conversion factor and the cumulative dose (man-sivert) of annual number of examinations was calculated.

Results: The mean effective dose from all radiographic procedures in Imam Khomeini and Bu-ali hospitals were 0.3 mSv and 0.28 mSv, respectively. Lumbar spine radiography had the most ED in both hospitals. Compared with national threshold level, the mean values for ESD (mGy) from all radiographic procedures in both hospitals were higher. The highest cumulative doses (man-sivert) in Imam Khomeini and Bu-ali hospitals were associated with lumbar spine (AP) and chest radiography, respectively.

Conclusion: Standardization of chest radiography in Bu-ali and lumbar spine in Imam Khomeini hospitals could reduce radiation dose to the patient. Radiographic procedures that include higher cumulative dose and lower frequency require more attention by medical authorities and healthcare staff for radiation dose reduction strategies.