Radiation exposure during CT procedures in Tanzania.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiological Physics
• Health Sciences

Background:

• Computed Tomography (CT) procedures are widely used in medical diagnostics.
• Radiation dose optimization in CT is crucial for patient safety and effective healthcare.
• Variations in CTDIvol and DLP indicate potential for technique standardization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the optimization status of common CT examinations.
• To determine reference values for CTDIvol and DLP across different CT procedures.
• To provide a basis for optimizing CT protocols in the country.

Main Methods:

• Collected patient and exposure data from CT consoles during various procedures.
• Calculated volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP) for each examination.
• Established 75th percentile values (third quartile) of median CTDIvol and DLP for benchmarking.

Main Results:

• Determined 75th percentile CTDIvol values: Head (40.9 mGy), High-Resolution Chest (9.0 mGy), Abdomen-Pelvis (9.4 mGy), Lumbar Spine (16.2 mGy).
• Determined corresponding 75th percentile DLP values: Head (900 mGy.cm), High-Resolution Chest (360 mGy.cm), Abdomen-Pelvis (487 mGy.cm), Lumbar Spine (721 mGy.cm).
• Identified technique variations as the primary cause for dose discrepancies.

Conclusions:

• Established country-specific reference dose levels for common CT examinations.
• Highlighted the need for technique standardization to optimize CT radiation doses.
• Provided data to support the enhancement of CT protocols and radiation safety.