Radiation dose at small intestinal biopsies in children: results of a national study.

The radiation dose delivered at small intestinal biopsies in children was investigated in a national study engaging 42 of 43 paediatric departments performing small intestinal biopsies. Measurements were performed with a thermoluminescence system at 257 biopsies. The results show a considerable variation of both duration of fluoroscopy (range 2-660 s; department medians) and radiation dose (range 0.1-14 mSv; department medians). The median of all absorbed doses was 0.69 mSv and the median duration of fluoroscopy 30 s. The observed variation cannot be explained by differences in X-ray equipment only. By optimization of all the technical conditions, such as X-ray equipment, biopsy device and method of sedation, at least a 6-fold reduction of radiation dose was obtained in one department. Especially if the operator is less experienced, it is worthwhile to optimize other factors to achieve the lowest possible radiation dose to the child. Children, coeliac disease, fluoroscopy, radiation dose, radiation risk, small intestinal biopsy.