Establishing Protocol-based Dose Metrics for Common Abdomen and Pelvis Computed Tomography Protocols.

Background And Aim: The majority of the existing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) that have been established for computed tomography (CT) are based on various anatomical locations, such as the head, chest, abdomen, etc. However, DRLs are initiated to improve radiation protection by conducting a comparison of similar examinations with similar objectives. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of establishing dose baselines based on common CT protocols for patients who underwent enhanced CT abdomen and pelvis exams.

Challenges experienced in establishing clinical indication based diagnostic reference levels: Pilot study.

Purpose: The objective of this study is to establish clinical-indication based Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) for the Computed Tomography (CT) examinations of Head, Abdomen & Pelvis + Contrast, and Kidney Ureter Bladder (KUB). Further, is to investigate the cases that register high-end doses to enable dose optimization.

Material And Methods: Dose length product total (tDLPs) and scan acquisition parameters of a total of 715 patients who underwent CT Head, CT Abdomen & Pelvis + Contrast, and CT KUB studies were obtained and retrospectively examined.

Continuous monitoring of CT dose indexes at Dubai Hospital.

Objective: Experience of continuous monitoring and control of patient doses in CT in Dubai Hospital over a period of approximately 4 years (January 2008 through August 2011) is presented.

Materials And Methods: Dose measurements-in particular, weighted and volumetric CT dose index, dose-length product (DLP), and estimated effective dose-were regularly monitored using head (16 cm diameter) and body (32 cm diameter) CT phantoms. Patient radiation dose indexes were manually recorded during 2008 for common CT examinations: head, chest, and abdomen and pelvis scans.

Radiation protection of patients in diagnostic and interventional radiology in Asian countries: impact of an IAEA project.

Recognizing the lack of information on image quality and patient doses in most countries in Asia, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) initiated a project to assess the status of imaging technology, practice in conventional radiography, mammography, computed tomography (CT) and interventional procedures, and to implement optimisation actions. A total of 20 countries participated. Obsolete practices of use of fluoroscopy for positioning, photofluorography, chest fluoroscopy and conventional tomography were reported by 4 out of 7 countries that provided this information.

IAEA survey of pediatric CT practice in 40 countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa: Part 1, frequency and appropriateness.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of pediatric CT in 40 less-resourced countries and to determine the level of appropriateness in CT use.

Materials And Methods: Data on the increase in the number of CT examinations during 2007 and 2009 and appropriate use of CT examinations were collected, using standard forms, from 146 CT facilities at 126 hospitals.

Results: The lowest frequency of pediatric CT examinations in 2009 was in European facilities (4.

Radiation exposure to patients during interventional procedures in 20 countries: initial IAEA project results.

Objective: The purpose of our study was to investigate the level of radiation protection of patients and staff during interventional procedures in 20 countries of Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Subjects And Methods: In a multinational prospective study, information on radiation protection tools, peak skin dose (PSD), and kerma-area product (KAP) was provided by 55 hospitals in 20 mainly developing countries (nine mostly in Eastern Europe, five in Africa, and six in Asia).

Results: Nearly 40% of the interventional rooms had an annual workload of more than 2,000 patients.

Patient doses in radiographic examinations in 12 countries in Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe: initial results from IAEA projects.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to survey image quality and the entrance surface air kerma for patients in radiographic examinations and to perform comparisons with diagnostic reference levels.

Subjects And Methods: In this multinational prospective study, image quality and patient radiation doses were surveyed in 12 countries in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, covering 45 hospitals. The rate of unsatisfactory images and image quality grade were noted, and causes for poor image quality were investigated.