A Comparative Assessment of Radiation Dose Levels in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology Devices

Accurate knowledge of radiation doses delivered by radiological devices is essential for ensuring patient safety and clinical effectiveness. This study presents a comparative review of radiation dose levels in commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic radiological procedures, including conventional X-ray imaging, computed tomography (CT), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and advanced radiotherapy systems. Reported dose values were standardized to the effective dose (mSv) and evaluated against the TENMAK and ICRP limits. The results indicate that conventional diagnostic methods, such as X-ray and DEXA, involve very low radiation doses (generally <0.1 mSv) and are considered low risk when used appropriately in routine clinical practice. In contrast, CT imaging delivers significantly higher doses (approximately 2–31 mSv), making it the primary contributor to patient radiation exposure among diagnostic techniques. Radiotherapy applications correspond to extremely high equivalent dose levels (converted to >10 Sv), reflecting their therapeutic purpose but also indicating increased risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Overall, CT and radiotherapy devices represent the main sources of high radiation exposure, whereas conventional imaging techniques remain within safe limits. These findings highlight the importance of dose optimization, avoidance of unnecessary repeat imaging, and adherence to international radiation protection standards.