Investigation on radiation doses and related influencing factors for CT adult examinations in Huai′an city / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the level of radiation doses to adults caused by CT examination in Huai′an, and explore the local CT diagnostic reference levels (DRLs).Methods:Totally 45 CT scaners were selected to investigate the information on hospitals, equipment, scanning parameters, and radiation doses. Empirical formula were used to estimate the effective dose to adults. Nonparametric rank sum tests were used to analyze differences in radiation dose level between CT service age and hospital grade.Results:A total of 3 483 patients were collected, including 890 for head examinations, 890 for chest, 846 for abdomen, and 857 for lumbar spine. The 75% percentile values of CTDI vol to adult patients from CT scanning for head, chest, abdomen, lumbar spine examinations were 63.0, 12.4, 20.0 and 24.0 mGy, respectively. The 75% percentile values of DLP were 858.6, 416.0, 620.7 and 559.2 mGy·cm, respectively. The 75% percentile values of DLP for males was higher than those for females. There were significant statistical differences in radiation doses dependent on equipment service (head U =10 326.00, P<0.05; chest U=36 094.50, P<0.05; abdomen U= 7 859.00, P<0.05; lumbar spine U=42 408.00, P<0.05), and hospital grade (head H=14.280, P<0.05; chest H=17.85, P<0.05; abdomen H=97.18, P<0.05; lumbar spine H=138.94, P<0.05). Conclusions:The CT radiation dose levels in Huai′an city is basically consistent with standard-reommended values, which is in line with the current status of CT equipment dose levels in the country. It is necessary to strengthen the quality control and maintenance of CT equipment.