National diagnostic reference level initiative for computed tomography examinations in Kenya

The purpose of this study was to estimate the computed tomography (CT) examination frequency, patient radiation exposure, effective doses and national diagnostic reference levels (NDRLs) associated with CT examinations in clinical practice. A structured questionnaire-type form was developed for reco...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Radiation protection dosimetry 2016-02, Vol.168 (2), p.242-252
Main Authors: Korir, Geoffrey K, Wambani, Jeska S, Korir, Ian K, Tries, Mark A, Boen, Patrick K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Kenya
Male
Middle Aged
National Health Programs
Radiation Dosage
Radiation Monitoring - standards
Radiation Protection - standards
Reference Values
Risk Assessment
Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
Tomography, X-Ray Computed - standards
Young Adult
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to estimate the computed tomography (CT) examination frequency, patient radiation exposure, effective doses and national diagnostic reference levels (NDRLs) associated with CT examinations in clinical practice. A structured questionnaire-type form was developed for recording examination frequency, scanning protocols and patient radiation exposure during CT procedures in fully equipped medical facilities across the country. The national annual number of CT examinations per 1000 people was estimated to be 3 procedures. The volume-weighted CT dose index, dose length product, effective dose and NDRLs were determined for 20 types of adult and paediatric CT examinations. Additionally, the CT annual collective effective dose and effective dose per capita were approximated. The radiation exposure during CT examinations was broadly distributed between the facilities that took part in the study. This calls for a need to develop and implement diagnostic reference levels as a standardisation and optimisation tool for the radiological protection of patients at all the CT facilities nationwide.
ISSN:0144-8420
1742-3406
DOI:10.1093/rpd/ncv020