Patient dose from CT: a literature review

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT) examinations are increasingly prevalent.
• CT scans contribute significantly to cumulative patient radiation exposure.
• Managing medical radiation exposure is a growing public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate patient radiation dose issues in medical imaging.
• To explore methods for minimizing radiation dose during CT and other imaging procedures.
• To assess the feasibility of tracking lifetime medical radiation exposure.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of recent scientific literature was performed.
• Current knowledge on patient radiation dose levels was evaluated.
• Protocols for dose reduction and systems for cumulative dose tracking were assessed.

Main Results:

• There are currently no established regulations for tracking cumulative patient radiation dose.
• Potential methods for recording, tracking, and storing dose data were discussed.
• Standardizing dose data in DICOM headers and electronic health records were proposed solutions.

Conclusions:

• Further research is essential for developing and implementing standardized dose tracking procedures.
• Uniform protocols for minimizing patient radiation dose require further development.
• Effective systems for tracking cumulative radiation exposure are needed.