We shoot PA chests at 72 inches to keep the heart true-size and sharpen lung detail, but what’s the actual ESE change versus a 40-inch AP portable in your shop? I’m running 120 kVp with tight collimation to keep dose down and accuracy up, and would love real numbers if you’ve measured.
At our place, 72" PA at 120 kVp with AEC averages about 0.12 mGy ESE; 40" AP portable at 100 kVp, no grid, runs about 0.18–0.22 mGy when SSD is about 35", so roughly 50–80% higher on the portables… Our ‘real numbers’ swing more with SSD and mattress height than SID alone; do you use a grid on the APs, or let SSD do the talking — physics is rude like that.
I think those ESE readings really highlight how collimation and technique make a difference in dose management. It’s interesting to see how the 72" PA improves detail, particularly in heart size. Have you looked into how the AEC settings impact your readings? @karen_moreno84.