Radiation Dose Measurement in Head and Neck and Chest CT Examinations Using Multi-Detector CT

Assessing radiation doses during CT examinations is crucial due to the increased use of CT devices and the associated cancer risk. This study evaluates the mean radiation doses in the thyroid, lungs, and heart by using multi-slice CT, along with thermo-luminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and dose monitoring software, while comparing various methods.

Thirty patients underwent head and neck and chest CT scans by using TLDs to measure the skin dose in the thyroid, lungs, and heart. Mean absorbed doses from TLDs, effective doses, and CTDIvol were collected and subsequently compared.

The mean absorbed dose in the thyroid was highest during head and neck protocols at 34.95 mGy. TLD measurements showed greater correction counts (CC) in the head and neck (mean CC: 1435.05) than in the chest (mean CC: 851.29). TLD-based dosimetry indicated significantly higher dose values than CTDIvol, with the largest difference observed in the thyroid during head and neck exams (~358.83%).

Dose monitoring software, CTDIvol, and experimental measurements are essential for evaluating imaging protocols and minimizing radiation exposure in CT centers. The findings emphasize the importance of dose monitoring software and TLD measurements for optimizing imaging practices.