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. In 2009–2011, these CT dose data were recorded within the radiology information system and the PACS. Dose reduction actions were taken while maintaining a watch on image quality. The effects of these factors were monitored through change in average DLP on a monthly basis and third quartile annually. Adapted diagnostic reference levels were used for comparison. RESULTS. The reduction in adult dose indexes in 2010 as compared with 2008 was 52%, 16.4%...