Diagnostic reference levels for paediatric CT in Jordan

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the current status of Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL) in paediatric CT across Jordan. The dose data for four main CT examinations (brain, chest, abdominopelvic, and Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis (CAP)) in hospitals and imaging centres (n = 4) were measured. The volume CT dose index (CTDI vol ) and Dose Length Product (DLP) values were compared within the different hospitals and age groups (<1 year, 1-4 years, 5-10 years and 11-18 years). DRL in Jordan were compared to international DRLs. The paediatric population consisted of 1,818 children; 61.4% of them were male. There were significant variations between the DRLs for each CT scanner with an up to four-fold difference in dose between hospitals. There were apparent significant differences between Jordan and other countries with the DLPs in Jordan being relatively high. However, for CTDI vol , the values in Jordan were close to those of other countries. This study confirmed variations in the CTDI vol and DLP values of paediatric CT scans in Jordan. These variations were attributed to the different protocols and equipment used. There is a need to optimise paediatric CT examinations doses in Jordan.

Diagnostic Reference Level of Radiation Dose and Image Quality among Paediatric CT Examinations in A Tertiary Hospital in Malaysia

“…The findings of CTDI vol were similar to German, United States, Korea and European studies for CT Brain and CT thorax [8,[15][16][17][18]. However, DLP values for CT brain were significantly higher than others study except for reference level from Jordan [19]. The variation in the CTDIvol, DLP and E as stated by the age and gender of the patient in CT brain, CT thorax and CT CAP are shown in Figures 2-4, respectively.…”

“…The findings of CTDI vol were similar to German, United States, Korea and European studies for CT Brain and CT thorax [ 8 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. However, DLP values for CT brain were significantly higher than others study except for reference level from Jordan [ 19 ].…”

“…The higher DLP in CT brain could mainly be due to the over-ranging beam when scanning was performed. The data of the radiation dose in CT thorax and CT CAP was notably lower than the Jordanian study by Rawashdeh et al (2019). This difference could be due to the selection mode of acquisition axial or helical scanning, CT scanning parameter settings and different manufacturers of the CT scanners used [14].…”

Monitoring Pediatric Head CT Scan Dose Levels: A Retrospective Study of Diagnostic Reference Levels in a Single Hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE

“…While this study reveals that the LD values for CT brain procedures in Abu Dhabi are lower than those found in other select countries, it is important to note that there may be variations in DRL values between d ferent countries due to differences in population characteristics, imaging practices, a regulatory requirements. Although diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) provide guidan To ensure a valid comparison, we selected those studies (references [17][18][19][20][21]) that have the same age groups as those of our study.…”

Establishment of diagnostic reference levels in low-dose renal computed tomography

“…International efforts that have been conducted to improve medical imaging radiation safety differ significantly among countries (34); therefore, differences in CT dose are found (35)(36)(37)(38). For instance, the European Union (EU) implemented legislation with obligatory directives regarding exposure to medical CT radiation where the member states are forced to promote and establish the diagnostic reference level (DRL) for CT (39).…”