How is radiation dose measured in digital radiography?

In digital radiography, radiation dose is commonly measured using dose indicators, with the entrance skin dose (ESD) and the dose area product (DAP) being two key examples. The ESD provides an estimate of the radiation exposure received by the skin at the point of entry for the X-ray beam, while the DAP takes into account both the dose and the area irradiated, providing a measure of the total radiation delivered during the imaging procedure. These methods offer a standardized way to assess and report radiation exposure, allowing for better patient safety and management of radiation risks.

Measuring through temperature readings of the detector does not yield an accurate representation of the radiation dose and does not account for the biological effect on the patient. Evaluating the quality of the final image focuses on the diagnostic efficacy of the radiographic technique rather than on the radiation dose itself. Counting radiation pulses also fails to directly correlate with the dose received by the patient. Therefore, the use of dose indicators is recognized as the most effective and relevant method for assessing radiation exposure in digital radiography.