Radiation Dose Evaluation and Optimization for Digital Chest and Abdominal Radiography: Establishing Local Diagnostic Reference Levels in Taif City, Saudi Arabia

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Fahad Riyadh Otaibi, Fahad Sultan ALWagdani, Ahmed Turki Al-Osaimi, Omar Abed Al-Salmi, Fahad Hussain Alwagdany, Hamid Osman, Mohamed Elsamani, Sahal Alotaibi, Osama Awad Alotaibi, Samih Kajoak

 

For citation: Otaibi FR, ALWagdani FS, Al-Osaimi AT, Al-Salmi OA, Alwagdany FH, Osman H, Elsamani M, Alotaibi S, Alotaibi OA, Kajoak S. Radiation Dose Evaluation and Optimization for Digital Chest and Abdominal Radiography: Establishing Local Diagnostic Reference Levels in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Biomedicine. 2026;16(3):357-363. doi:10.21103/Article16(3)_OA5

Originally published September 5, 2026

Abstract: 

Compared to traditional methods, digital radiography offers better image quality and the possibility of a lower radiation dose. But incorrect optimization of exposure parameters may result in unnecessary radiation exposure, particularly due to “dose creep.” To ensure that radiation doses are kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) must be established, especially for frequently performed exams such as chest and abdominal X-rays. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and optimize radiation doses for digital radiography tests of the chest (PA, lateral) and abdomen (AP) in Taif City’s major hospitals. Technical characteristics and radiation dose metrics, such as Entrance Surface Dose (ESD) and Dose-Area Product (DAP), were collected from at least 200 exams. Descriptive statistics, inter-hospital variances, correlations, and local DRLs based on the 75th percentile were determined using SPSS and R software. Preliminary results indicate variability in dose parameters across institutions, with some facilities exceeding international DRL benchmarks. Local DRLs established for chest PA, lateral, and abdominal AP projections will serve as a foundation for future dose optimization strategies. The study contributes to the development of evidence-based radiation protection policies and quality assurance programs tailored to Taif’s healthcare context, providing a model for other regions in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords: 
digital radiography • radiation dose • diagnostic reference levels • dose optimization • ALARA
References: 
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Received June 5, 2026.
Accepted August 8, 2026.
© 2026 The Author(s). International Journal of Biomedicine is published by IMRDC. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license.