Adult Ct Examinations in Algeria: Towards Updating National Diagnostic Reference Levels

Abstract

A pilot study has concerned the most frequent computed tomography examinations (CT). This represents the first results based on actual survey for diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) establishment in Algeria. A total number of 2540 patients underwent this survey that has included the recording of CT parameters, computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product of the head, thorax, abdomen, abdomen–pelvis (AP), lumbar spine (LS) and thorax–abdomen–pelvis (TAP) performed on standard patients. The proposed DRLs are 71 mGy/1282 mGy.cm for head, 16 mGy/555 mGy.cm for thorax, 18 mGy/671 mGy.cm for abdomen, 21 mGy/950 mGy.cm for AP, 36 mGy/957 mGy.cm for LS and 18 mGy/994 mGy.cm for TAP. The rounded 75th percentile seems to be higher in some examinations compared to the literature. Our findings confirm the need to optimise our practice. These results provide a starting point for institutional evaluation of CT radiation doses.

An Africa point of view on quality and safety in imaging

“…National DRLs : Several African countries through IAEA regional projects RAF6053 and RAF9059 initiated processes of establishing national DRLs for high-dose imaging modalities. Algeria and Egypt have successfully established national DRL data for adult CT [ 46 , 47 ]. Four countries (Ghana, Kenya, Namibia and Senegal) have jointly initiated a study to establish baseline for a regional DRL in adult CT. A National Diagnostic Reference Level Initiative for Computed Tomography Examinations in Kenya was undertaken [ 48 ] and there is an ongoing PhD project for Computed Tomography DRLs in Uganda aimed at National CT DRLs.…”

“…The efforts to avail global information on medical and occupational exposures in medicine have been minimal, and this may be explained by low levels of awareness and knowledge for radiation safety and protection. The few exposure reports include: fluoroscopic radiation doses for Barium [ 56 ], radiation doses from c-arm fluoroscopy for surgeons in theatre [ 57 ], occupational doses for Ghanaian medical facilities [ 58 ] and adult patient doses in CT examinations in Algeria [ 47 ].…”