Estimated fetal radiation dose from multislice CT studies.
It is often necessary to estimate the dose of radiation to a fetus from a series of CT scans. To assist in making this process easier and more accurate, we measured fetal doses in an adult anthropomorphic phantom for four CT scanners: Picker 1200, Siemens DRH, GE 9800, and GE 8800. Measurements were made at four kilovoltages (100, 120, 130, and 140 kVp), for 2-, 5-, 8-, and 10-mm thicknesses, for two scanning angles (360 degrees and 398 degrees) and for two patient orientations (prone and supine). The fetal-dose estimates are based on the CT dose index measured by using a pencil ionization chamber at the center position of a 16-cm-diameter cylindrical phantom. Comparison with data from other investigators shows reasonable agreement when phantom differences, X-ray tube output, and equipment calibration are considered.
Felmlee
J P
JP
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905.
Gray
J E
JE
Leetzow
M L
ML
Price
J C
JC
D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008961:Models, Structural; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed