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Evaluation of Dose to Pediatric Patients during Computed Tomography Scan Examinations at a Tertiary Hospital in Abuja, Nigeria |
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PP: 303-310 |
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doi:10.18576/jrna/100312
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Author(s) |
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Comfort Offornedu,
Idris M. Mustapha,
Umaru Ibrahim,
Samson D. Yusuf,
Abdullahi A. Mundi,
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Abstract |
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| This study assesses radiation doses received by pediatric patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) examinations in selected tertiary and secondary hospitals in Abuja, Nigeria. CT procedures such as head, chest, and abdominal scans were analyzed using data from thirty patients (ten each for head, chest and abdomen), focusing on demographic details, scan parameters (kVp, mAs, slice thickness, pitch), and dose metrics including CTDI, DLP, and values obtained from thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). The mean mAs value of 159.5 falls within the acceptable range of 135–190 mAs, ensuring a balance between image quality and radiation safety. For head CT scans, the CTDIw value of 22.78 mGy and DLP values ranging from 352 to 664.4 mGy•cm are within pediatric diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). Similarly, chest and abdominal CT scans showed CTDIw values of 9.47 mGy and 10.73 mGy, respectively, both within safe exposure limits. Effective doses reported, such as 1.42 mSv for head and 7.34 mSv for abdominal scans, are consistent with international safety standards. Overall, the findings indicate that radiation doses administered to pediatric patients are within acceptable limits, demonstrating appropriate dose optimization and adherence to best practices for patient safety in pediatric CT imaging. |
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