Pediatric Phantom Dosimetry of the Portable Handheld Xray2Go

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to quantify radiation dose from the XTG (Xray2Go) Handheld X-ray device for bitewing and anterior occlusal projections using a pediatric phantom. The aim was to evaluate thyroid shielding effects on effective dose (E), tissue equivalent doses (HT), and assess operator backscatter radiation. Methods: A pediatric phantom with 24 tissue site dosimeters was exposed to radiation from the Xray2Go. Projections included: Right and left bitewing (BW) without thyroid collar on phantom, BW with thyroid collar, maxillary anterior occlusal (AO) without thyroid collar, AO with thyroid collar. New dosimeters were used for each projection type, for 30 exposures. Operator wore dosimeters on forehead and right hand to quantify backscatter. Average values of HT and E were calculated. Results: Thyroid shielding produced a statistically significant difference for posterior bitewing projections at thyroid (P<.001), lymphatic nodes (P=.04), and muscle (P=.04). Operator dose from the XTG was indistinguishable from background radiation. Conclusions: Mean effective dose was less than 1 μSv for all projections. Thyroid shielding made a statistically significant difference for radiation dose with the Xray2Go for several tissue locations and for posterior bitewings effective dose. Radiation to the operator was low and indistinguishable from background radiation.