Size-specific dose estimates (SSDEs) for computed tomography and influencing factors on it: a systematic review

The actual dose received during a computed tomography (CT) examination depends on both the patient
size and the radiation output of the scanner. To represent the actual patient morphometry, a new
radiation dose metric named size-specific dose estimates (SSDEs) was developed by the American
Association of Physicists in Medicine in 2011. The purpose of this article is to review the SSDE
concept and the factors influencing it. Moreover, the appropriate methodology of SSDE determination
and the application of SSDE as a diagnostic reference-level quantity is critically analyzed based on
the data available in the literature. It is expected that this review could potentially increase
awareness among CT users of the effective utilization of SSDE as a tool to aid in the optimization
of radiation dose in CT.

Source: Journal of Radiological Protection - December 6, 2021 Category: Physics Authors: D M Satharasinghe, J Jeyasugiththan, W M N M B Wanninayake and A S Pallewatte Source Type: research