Estimation of radiation dose to the paediatric cardiac patient in a paediatric cardiac catheterisation laboratory: concerns and ways ahead

Fluoroscopy time alone is not a sufficient metric to monitor radiation exposure. Even when fluoroscopy times were comparable, air kerma and dose-area product levels were quite different. Therefore, the local dose reference levels proposed can be used as a benchmark for future studies aimed at process optimisation and further reducing the radiation exposure in paediatric patients.