Radiation Dose in Computed Tomography

Abstract

Since the introduction of computed tomography (CT) for clinical use, it has proven to be a valuable diagnostic tool. The medical information derived from CT scans has contributed to saving many lives not only in developed countries but also in developing countries worldwide. Moreover, the evolution of CT from single-detector CT (SDCT) to multi-detector CT (MDCT) has greatly enhanced its value in medical diagnosis. As a result, although CT is used in only 17% of all radiological examinations, it contributed to nearly 49% of the individual patient dose from these examinations in the United States for the year 2006 [1]. It is thought that the dose to an individual from one CT examination does not cause radiation-induced biological effects, but the radiation dose for each CT procedure should be managed by appropriate methods.