Estimation of Organ and Effective Doses in Diagnostic Radiography Using ESAK Metrics and Monte Carlo Conversion Factors

This study assessed organ and effective doses in routine diagnostic radiography by combining measured entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) values with Monte Carlo-derived conversion coefficients. A total of 50 adult patients who underwent chest, abdominal, skull, and pelvic x rays at the Federal Teaching Hospital Jos were included. ESAK values were measured using a calibrated solid-state detector, and corresponding organ and effective doses were calculated using conversion factors derived from PCXMC simulations and International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) guidelines. Effective doses ranged from low values for chest PA projections to higher doses for pelvic examinations, all within internationally accepted diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). The findings emphasize that while doses remain within safe thresholds, ongoing optimization of exposure parameters and adherence to ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles are necessary to balance diagnostic benefit with radiation detriment.