RADIATION DOSE ASSESSMENT TO ADULT PATIENTS IN HEAD COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA TEACHING HOSPITAL ZARIA

The use of computed tomography (CT) has increased over the past decades and has resulted in a concurrent increase in medical exposure to ionizing radiation. Several recent studies have examined the link between medical radiation the risk of cancer, especially in children. This study aimed at evaluating the radiation dose received by adult patients undergoing Head CT examination. The results are presented in terms of volumetric computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) for Head and the effective dose to comprehensively evaluate the radiation dose imparted. Total number of (25) patients, ranging in age from 15 years to above) were included in this study. The examinations covered a wide range of anatomical region for Head. The average CTDIvol values were (19.308 mGy) ranging from (1.87- 42.22 mGy), additionally the average DLP values were 453.75 mGy.cm ranged from (1.87-962.13 mGy.cm) respectively, which accounts for both the radiation output and the scan length to estimate the total radiation dose delivered, while the effective dose derived from DLP was assessed. The highest voltage used in the study were 120 kV range from (100-120 kV) and the highest tube current used were 150 mA ranged from (40-150mA). Our findings revealed variations in CTDIvol, DLP, kV and mA. Overall, adult patients receiving CT examinations were found to be exposed to varying levels of radiation dose. BY quantifying the CTDIvol and DLP, this study helps increase awareness of radiation exposure among healthcare professionals, encouraging them to develop strategies for optimizing radiation dose and adopting individualized imaging protocols for patients and ensuring the delivery of safe and effective medical care for this vulnerable population.