OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to discuss the effects of the main parameters that influence image quality and the entrance skin dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pediatric chest radiographs of three different Institutions were evaluated. Tests on all x-ray equipment were performed. The skin entrance dose was assessed using thermoluminescent dosimeters. RESULTS: Only one of all x-ray equipments tested was in good operation condition. The average skin entrance dose was: (0.222 ± 0.088) mGy for children under 1 year, (0.28 ± 0.11) mGy for 1.1 to 4 years, (0.26 ± 0.13) mGy for 4.1 to 6 years, (0.23 ± 0.13) mGy for 6.1 to 10 years and (0.26 ± 0.25) mGy for older than 10 years. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the average skin entrance doses are higher than the European Community Commission reference levels and other values reported in the literature. We recommend the implantation of quality assurance programs to reduce skin entrance doses and for obtaining good quality images.

Keywords: Pediatric radiology, Skin dose, Reference levels