Assessment of Radiation Dose in Computed Tomography Examination of Adult Patient in Abuja and Keffi, Hospitals in Nigerian

Assessment of Radiation dose in computed tomography examination of Adult patient in Abuja and Keffi, Hospitals in Nigerian was carried out. The three study centers are National hospital Abuja, Garki hospital and federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nasarawa State. CT scan is considered to be the first investigative modality of choice for patient with severe head, chest and abdominal injuries. For us to achieve this, professionals must adhere to the principles of justification of practice and optimization of radiation protection. Dose report and scan parameters for head, chest and abdomen were assessed during seven months period at the three study centres. Ethical approval was obtained from the study centers. Data on CT Dose index (CTDI w) and dose length product (DLP) available and achieved on CT scanner control console was recorded for a minimum of 10 average sized patients for each facility to established a local Diagnostic reference level (LDRLs) and radiation dose optimization Data were collected, using a purposive sampling technique, from 131 adult patients weighing 70 ± 3 kg) from Philip brilliance, Toshiba Alexion and General Electric (GE) CT scanners for the study. The collected data were analyzed using SPPSS version (20) statistical software. Third quartile values of the estimated LDRLs for CTDI w and DLP were determined as (49.8 mGy and 9639 mGy) and (10.9 mGy and 432.8 mCy*cm) and (12.7 mGy and 560 mGy*cm) for head, chest and abdominal CT scan, respectively. This study has established local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs). And the CTDI w obtained are almost relatively higher to the reported data from the European Commission (Head: 10 mGy, Chest: 10 mGy and Abdomen 12.7 mGy). The DLP are comparably lower than all the reported value from the European commission (Head: 1000mGy, Chest: 600 mGy and Abdomen: 800 mGy). Therefore, CT dose optimization is recommended.