Experimental estimation of intrauterine fetal irradiation dosage in computed tomography using a Rando Phantom

A Rando Phantom was used experimentally to estimate the dosage of intrauterine irradiation a fetus would be subjected to if a computed tomographic investigation were to be performed antenatally. Lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimetry chips (TLD chips) were placed in the assumed intrauterine fetal position in a Rando Phantom. A scanogram was then used to identify the location of the chips and a computed tomographic scan was performed of the assumed intrauterine fetal position. It was felt that the measurement obtained from the TLD chips would give a more realistic estimate of the total dose that a fetus may be subjected to, both due to the primary and the scattered irradiation of the computed tomographic examination.