X-ray examinations of the abdominal region account for 25% of all radiography but contribute over what percentage of the GSD?

X-ray examinations of the abdominal region are particularly significant in terms of collective dose contributions, primarily because these examinations often involve higher radiation doses compared to other types of radiographic procedures. Given that abdominal X-rays include imaging for a variety of conditions that can be critical for diagnosis and treatment, the frequency of these procedures, combined with the potential dose per examination, leads to a disproportionate contribution to the total Genetic Significant Dose (GSD).

The assertion that abdominal X-rays contribute over 70% of the GSD reflects the impact of high-dose examinations in relation to other lower-dose procedures. This is supported by radiological studies indicating that a small number of specific exams can account for a large share of the overall radiation exposure in a population. Other radiological exams may have lower individual dose contributions, and thus the cumulative effect of abdominal imaging techniques amplifies their share of the GSD.

Thus, the selection of 70% as a threshold for the contribution of abdominal X-rays to the GSD highlights a significant concern within the field, acknowledging that while they make up a smaller percent of the total number of procedures, they represent a critical area for monitoring and managing radiation exposure in medical imaging. This understanding plays a crucial role in radiation safety and the justification for the