Establishing local diagnostic reference levels for computed tomography examinations using size-specific dose estimates

OBJECTIVES

To establish local DRL (LDRL) for computed tomography (CT) examinations based on size-specific dose estimates (SSDEs), which consider patient size. The concept of diagnostic reference level (DRL) was introduced to limit patient exposure to unnecessary radiation. However, traditional DRL values do not consider patient size.

METHODS

Following institutional committee approval, data were collected from CT examinations of adult patients at Madinah General Hospital, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia from January to March 2023. The SSDE was calculated for each patient using the effective diameter (Deff).

RESULTS

The LDRLs of the brain, cervical spine, chest, thoracic spine and kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB) examinations were 118 mGy, 12 mGy, 8 mGy, 17 mGy, and 7 mGy, respectively. A strong correlation was observed between SSDEs and the volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) for all examinations except chest scans (p<0.05). Size-specific dose estimates were higher than the CTDIvol, with a greater difference for patients with smaller Deff (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The established LDRL was within the international DRL. The use of SSDE has the potential to provide more accurate and relevant data for radiation safety practices; however, widespread adoption of SSDE in new CT scanners is necessary for promoting consistency and standardization methodologies.

Evaluating sonographers' awareness of artifacts in renal ultrasound scans

BACKGROUND

A routine ultrasound scan is used to assess a variety of renal pathological cases. Sonographers face a variety of challenges that may affect their interpretation. Understanding normal organ shapes, human anatomy, physical concepts, and artifacts is required for accurate diagnosis. Sonographers must understand how artifacts appear in ultrasound images in order to reduce errors and improve diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to assess sonographers' awareness and knowledge of artifacts in renal ultrasound scans.

METHODS

Participants in this cross-sectional study were asked to complete a survey containing different types of common artifacts in renal system ultrasound scans. An online questionnaire survey was used to collect the data. The questionnaire targeted radiologists, radiologic technologists, and intern students in Madinah hospitals in the ultrasound department.

RESULTS

The total number of participants was 99, with 9.1% being radiologists, 31.3% being radiology technologists, 6.1% being senior specialists, and 53.5% being intern students. There was a significant difference in the participants' knowledge of ultrasound artifacts in the renal system with the total selection of the right artifact in senior specialists at 73% and intern students 45%. There was a direct relationship between age and years of experience in distinguishing artifacts in the renal system scan. A category of participants with the highest age and experience got 92% of the correct selection of artifacts.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that intern students and radiology technologists have limited knowledge of ultrasound scan artifacts, whereas senior specialists and radiologists have a high level of awareness of the artifacts.