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What Is The Dosage Of Radiation Given In Each X-ray Film?

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Posted on Mon, 11 May 2015
Question: I want to consult a radiologist. I have gone through a test called SBFT,barium meal small bowel follow through exam on 2nd XXXXXXX 2015 at radiology deptt of XXXXXXX superspeciality hospital,kaushambi,UP under supervision of radiologist dr avneesh XXXXXXX XXXXXXX I am 23 years old,height 5ft 10 inch and weight 67 kg.
During examination total 14 x-ray flims/pictures were taken in 4 hours,no fluroscopy was done.my report of examination was normal.out of 14 x-ray flims 6 was of stomach and first part of small intestine and rest 8 of jejunum,ileum and first part of large intestine.out of 14 x-ray flims,on 2 x-ray flims it was written LAO and on rest it was written R.
Now I want to know quantity of single radiation dose given in each x-ray flims and total cumulative radiation dose in total 14 x-ray flims in millisieverts units(mSv).
My question is the dose of radiation given of safe level or not, is any risks associated with the quantity of radiation given.
I also want to know why a rolling motion was given to me immediately after ingesting barium liquid on x-ray table,was any x-ray flim taken during rolling motion.
what is risk level.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Total dose delivered to patient is far below the XXXXXXX allowable safe dose.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

You don't worry about radiation exposure.Total dose delivered to patient is far below the maximum allowable safe dose.
Though barium meal and follow through delivers radiation to patient but this is acceptable to its diagnostic ability.Still this test is widely used for conditions like intestinal tuberculosis etc.

Total dose delivered by this process is approx 5.0 mSV. This amount of radiation is equivalent to 16 months of natural radiation that every one of us get from environment.
Individual X-ray may deliver 0.3-0.4 mSV depending upon area.
Stomach and duodenal area may contribute 0.3 mSV and small intestinal area may contribute 0.4 mSV.

Patient is initially rolled during procedure for proper visualization of duodenum.

Risk level is very low due to this procedure.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (23 hours later)
so sir the total radiation given to my abdomen is completely safe right at my age 23? I need not to worry about that?there is no risks?
sir as per my knowledge single radiation dose given in chest x-ray is 0.02 mSv,then why it is 0.3-0.4mSv(15-20 times more) in case of abdomen?
sir is it normal to go through 14 x-ray films during the exam?or it should be less than 8-10 x-ray films?usually how many films are taken during a typical SBFT?
actually I am going through a critical phase of life,suffering from abdominal problems like indigestion,gas,fullness,constipation,pain,bloating,belching,acid reflux over 6 months,no relief till today.
endoscopy,colonoscopy,SBFT,ultrasound,Blood tests all are normal except endoscopy revealed duodenitis which I was treated with antibiotics successfully.
actually gastroenterologist ordered to undergo SBFT,though it was normal.so I was deeply worried that 14 x-ray films were done and radiation given,then report came back normal.so I have received unnecessary radiation just at 23 years of age,for that thing I was really worried.
so sir please tell me there is no need to worry?it was completely safe?
sir I have another question regarding something different.I am having mild mid chest pain not continuous but intermittent over 4 weeks,especially when taking turn on right side at night.pain is only in mid chest and slightly in left chest.Then it was during 24 hours during past two weeks not continuous,only intermittent. I have no cough,no other things.no problem while deep breathing,coughing. also sir I have lost 2 kg weight in past two weeks and total 3 kg weight during past 6 months,initially my weight was 68 kg and height is 5ft 10inch.
I have consulted chest specialist,he ordered chest x-ray,pulmonary function test,ecg,echo,stress echo all were normal except vitamin D which was less than 10.50 nmol/l,deficient.then he prescribed calcium tablets for one month then again consult him.
I am getting no relief though, I am having really bad acid reflux.
so sir I want what is reason for intermittent mid chest pain,is something serious problem underlying or it is just a simple problem? I have smoked for 16 months 2 cigareetts per day at age 21,then quit for about 1 and half years.
Thanks & Regards XXXXXXX XXXXX

doctor
Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There is no need to be worried about.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

As we discussed earlier,there is nothing to be worried about.Radiation dose delivered is safe and it will not cause any deleterious side effects.

Generally 9-10 films are taken during procedure but it may vary with clinical conditions.Any way,it will not cause any harm to you.

Chest discomfort may be due to acid reflux.You may need regular proton pump inhibitors for 6 weeks.

I also suggest for vitamin D supplementation.You may need to take one vitamin D tablet weekly for eight weeks then one tablet may be taken monthly for six months.
You should expose your self adequately to sunlight for at least 5 mins daily.
You should also take calcium rich food.

It is good that you have quit smoking.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (2 days later)
sir please suggest me the name of vitamin D supplement tablet,how to take it,how many per day and how long?
is my mid chest pain causing by low vitamin D level?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You may need to take one vitamin D tablet weekly for eight weeks.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

As we discussed earlier,you need vitamin D supplementation.It is available in many brands like tablet D shine 60K.You may need to take one vitamin D tablet weekly for eight weeks then one tablet may be taken monthly for six months.

Mild chest pain is most likely not related to low vitamin D level.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Indu Kumar

Radiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 6729 Questions

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What Is The Dosage Of Radiation Given In Each X-ray Film?

Brief Answer: Total dose delivered to patient is far below the XXXXXXX allowable safe dose. Detailed Answer: Hello You don't worry about radiation exposure.Total dose delivered to patient is far below the maximum allowable safe dose. Though barium meal and follow through delivers radiation to patient but this is acceptable to its diagnostic ability.Still this test is widely used for conditions like intestinal tuberculosis etc. Total dose delivered by this process is approx 5.0 mSV. This amount of radiation is equivalent to 16 months of natural radiation that every one of us get from environment. Individual X-ray may deliver 0.3-0.4 mSV depending upon area. Stomach and duodenal area may contribute 0.3 mSV and small intestinal area may contribute 0.4 mSV. Patient is initially rolled during procedure for proper visualization of duodenum. Risk level is very low due to this procedure. Get well soon. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX