Survey of paediatric imaging exposure from computed tomography examinations

The objective of this study has been investigation of paediatric patient doses received in Saudi Arabia during CT examinations of the brain, abdomen and chest, comparison of these being made with international standards, guided by Dose Reference levels (DRLs). The study includes data from a total of 59 patients from three hospitals, the mean age and age range of the paediatric cases being 5.10 (0.01–13) years, mean weight and weight range 20 (3–40) kg. The range of DLP (mGy.cm) per procedure was 113–995, 54–1244 and 30.0–190.0 for brain, abdomen and chest procedures, respectively. DRLs were proposed for all three procedures, the values being comparable with European Guidelines on Quality Criteria for Computed Tomography. The study has shown there to be a need in Saudi Arabia to refer to such criteria as well as a need for continuous training of staff in radiation dose optimisation concepts.
Source: Radiation Physics and Chemistry - Category: Physics Source Type: research