Abstract:
Introduction: The medical use of ionizing radiation has expanded worldwide. Advanced imaging technology has opened new horizons to diagnostics and improved patient care. Radiation is energy emitted in the form of waves or particles, transmitted through an intervening medium or space. Radiation with enough energy to remove electrons during its interaction with atoms is called “ionizing radiation”. This review includes scientific information about radiation that may be helpful to support risk–benefit dialogue in paediatric imaging.This ensures that the dose to each patient is as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) for the clinical purpose of the examination.
The aim of this selective review of the literature is to present the radiation doses in paediatric procedures and provides an overview of known and potential risks associated with radiation exposure during childhood as well as to see how maximum can we protect the children during imaging.
Conclusion: There should be a true clinical indication when approaching radiological imaging of children. Modern equipment and application of examination protocols in children should be standardized and age-appropriate. A well-trained medical team should be in place to provide adequate ionization protection during imaging in the pediatric population.
Key words: Radiation, exposure, protection, pediatric radiology
