DRC Home > X-Ray Section > Utah X-Ray Data > L-spine Exposures
X-Ray Section: Utah X-Ray Data:
AP Lumbo-sacral Spine Entrance Skin Exposures
Each year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD), and state radiation control programs conduct a Nationwide Evaluation of X-ray Trends (NEXT) survey of a specific radiographic examination at randomly selected facilities across the nation. Data is collected by state inspectors using a standard protocol. The data is submitted to and evaluated by the FDA. The findings are published through the CRCPD, and are used by numerous entities in comparing entrance skin exposures (ESE) within states and between facilities.
On July 1, 1994, the x-ray section began a computerized tracking program for ESE data that was being collected throughout the state. This program allows the Division to compare Utah ESE data with the data found in the NEXT surveys. The attached graphs and charts provide information regarding the AP lumbo-sacral spine radiographic examination collected at hospitals, private practice, and chiropractic facilities for the Utah and NEXT surveys. While the Utah data compares favorably with national data, there are opportunities to help facilities improve their examination procedures to lower patient exposures while producing quality radiographs.
Entrance Skin Exposures AP Lumbo-sacral Spine Radiographic Examinations
Minimum |
1st Quartile |
Median |
3rd Quartile |
Maximum |
Mean |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEXT 1987 (Hospitals) |
62.3 mR | 259.7 mR | 347.4 mR | 518.9 mR | 2154 mR | 423.6 mR |
| NEXT 1989 (Private Practice) |
46.0 mR | 259.0 mR | 349.9 mR | 542.9 mR | 2860.2 mR | 453.0 mR |
| NEXT 1989 (Chiropractors) | 61.3 mR | 220.5 mR | 357.3 mR | 568.0 mR | 1575.5 mR | 429.0 mR |
| Utah (Private Practice) |
59.8 mR | 218.5 mR | 324.0 mR | 434.8 mR | 1319.5 mR | 378.0 mR |
| Utah (Chiropractors) |
48.2 mR | 195.0 mR | 307.0 mR | 535.5 mR | 1500.0 mR | 402.2 mR |
If you have additional questions regarding X-rays, please contact a member of the X-ray staff at 801-536-4250 or you may contact us through e-mail.
