Regional survey of CT dose indices in India

Abstract

This study intends to evaluate the current level of computed tomography (CT) scanner doses installed in a region in India. In-site CT dose measurement was performed for 127 CT scanners in a region in India. CT dose index (CTDI) was measured using a 10 cm3 pencil ion chamber and 32-cm polymethyl methacrylate body phantom. The CT numbers and image noise were measured for the phantom using software available on each CT scanner. Of the 127 CT scanners, 13 were conventional, 53 helical single-section, 44 multidetector row CT (MDCT) and 17 refurbished machines. The mean-weighted CTDI (CTDI(w)) values calculated using standard exposure parameters for conventional, conventional refurbished, single-section helical scanner (SSHS), refurbished SSHS and MDCT scanners were 7.5, 6.53, 6.8, 6.6 and 7.04 mGy. Twenty-seven CT scanners had deranged CT numbers. Periodic quality assurance and regional dose surveys would be beneficial to set up regional reference levels in India.

Radiation safety concerns and diagnostic reference levels for computed tomography scanners in Tamil Nadu

“…Due to the increase in the number of CT examinations performed each day, it is necessary that each scanner is provided with dose derivatives on the CT console. [ 2 20 ] In the survey in Tamil Nadu, it was found that 74 (58%) scanners had dose descriptors such as CTDI, DLP, CTDI w , CTDI vol and effective doses displayed on the control console of the scanner. None of the conventional and refurbished conventional scanners had dose descriptors displayed on the control console.…”

“…[ 1 ] In a recent regional survey on CT scanners in India, it was found that there has been an increase of 35% in the number of multislice CT (MSCT) scanners compared to single-slice CT scanners since the year 2000. [ 2 ] Radiation dose from CT is of concern due to the increase in number of examinations performed each day. Though CT imparts a substantial amount of manmade radiation to the human population, the clinical benefits with the use of this modality far exceed the risk involved therein.…”

“…Though CT imparts a substantial amount of manmade radiation to the human population, the clinical benefits with the use of this modality far exceed the risk involved therein. [ 2 – 4 ]…”