Evaluation of Volume CT Dose Index (CTDIvol) and Dose Length Product (DLP) in Routine CT scan Protocols among Children under 15 Years of Age Admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, during 2019

The computed tomography (CT) scan is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of various diseases, but the absorbed dose causes concern, especially for children. The present study aimed to evaluate the absorbed dose of volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) in routine CT scan protocols in children under 15 years of age admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital of Ahvaz, Iran.

The present descriptive-analytical epidemiological study was carried out on children under 15 years of age admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital of Ahvaz during the first 6 months of 2019. CTDIvol and DLP values ​​were measured using a pencil ionization chamber. Universal dosimeter fire ware 2, 20, and single scan standard phantoms were done on children in a single scan for several routine CT scan protocols. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0.

Significantly different (P < 0.05) CTDIvol values were obtained for head, chest, and pelvis (2.14 ± 0.93, 0.93 ± 0.07, and 1.20 ± 0.53, respectively). The obtained DLP values for head, chest, and pelvis (28.46 ± 0.93, 23.91 ± 2.26, and 38.14 ±2.52, respectively) were significantly different (P <0.05). Mean CTDIvol and DLP values calculated for head, chest, and pelvic protocols were significantly different by month.

The mean CTDIvol and DLP values for the head, chest, and pelvic protocols, which are within the allowable range and will not be associated with the risks mentioned in this test on children, are less than the values ​​suggested by various guidelines and other studies.