Paediatric CT reference doses based on weight and CT dosimetry phantom size: local experience using a 64-slice CT...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging Physics
• Radiological Protection
• Paediatric Radiology

Background:

• Technological advancements necessitate updated dose reference levels (DRLs) for CT examinations.
• Australian legislation promotes establishing local DRLs (LDRLs) to monitor CT performance and patient dose.
• Existing DRLs may not reflect current imaging technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish paediatric DRL values in a clinically applicable format, stratified by patient weight.
• To reference these DRLs using both 16-cm and 32-cm CT dosimetry phantoms.
• To report local experience with LDRLs and compare them with published paediatric DRL data.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1382 paediatric CT examinations.
• Utilized CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) data from a Toshiba Aquilion 64 scanner.
• Compiled LDRLs based on weight and phantom size for torso and head examinations.

Main Results:

• Local DRLs (LDRLs) were successfully compiled for paediatric torso examinations using 16-cm and 32-cm phantoms.
• LDRLs for paediatric head examinations were established using the 16-cm phantom.
• The compiled LDRLs provide a benchmark for clinical practice at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Brisbane.

Conclusions:

• LDRLs were established for the RCH Brisbane, offering a valuable reference for clinicians.
• Comparison of these LDRLs with published data serves as a quality assurance measure.
• This approach facilitates adherence to updated radiation dose monitoring recommendations.