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Published on: September 4, 2017
Radiation dose from diagnostic computed tomography in Saskatchewan
David A Leswick1, Nida S Syed, Chance S Dumaine
1Department of Radiology, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. david.leswick@saskatoonhealthregion.ca
Summary
This study calculated effective radiation doses from diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scans in Saskatchewan. The doses were comparable to other Canadian data but higher than some UK standards, with significant scanner variations observed.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Radiation Dosimetry
Background:
- Diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scans are widely used in medical imaging.
- Understanding patient radiation exposure from CT is crucial for safety and quality assurance.
- Previous studies have reported effective dose levels from CT examinations in various regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effective dose from diagnostic CT scans in Saskatchewan, Canada.
- To compare these calculated doses with previously reported dose levels from other Canadian and international studies.
- To identify variations in radiation dose among different CT scanners within Saskatchewan.
Main Methods:
- Data from 1,690 clinically indicated CT examinations across 12 scanners in 7 cities were analyzed.
- Patient age, scan type, dose length product, and volume computed tomography dose index were collected.
- Effective doses were calculated based on collected technique parameters.
Main Results:
- Average effective doses were: head (2.7 mSv), chest (11.3 mSv), abdomen-pelvis (15.5 mSv), abdomen (11.7 mSv), and pelvis (8.6 mSv).
- Significant variations in radiation dose were observed between different CT scanners for head, chest, and abdomen-pelvis scans (P < .05).
Conclusions:
- Estimated effective doses from diagnostic CT in Saskatchewan are similar to those reported in British Columbia, Canada.
- Doses were slightly higher than some international standards, notably a 2003 UK review.
- The observed dose variations highlight the need for standardized CT protocols and quality control.
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