title: National diagnostic reference level initiative for computed tomography examinations in Kenya.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to estimate the computed tomography (CT) examination frequency, patient radiation exposure, effective doses and national diagnostic reference levels (NDRLs) associated with CT examinations in clinical practice. A structured questionnaire-type form was developed for recording examination frequency, scanning protocols and patient radiation exposure during CT procedures in fully equipped medical facilities across the country. The national annual number of CT examinations per 1000 people was estimated to be 3 procedures. The volume-weighted CT dose index, dose length product, effective dose and NDRLs were determined for 20 types of adult and paediatric CT examinations. Additionally, the CT annual collective effective dose and effective dose per capita were approximated. The radiation exposure during CT examinations was broadly distributed between the facilities that took part in the study. This calls for a need to develop and implement diagnostic reference levels as a standardisation and optimisation tool for the radiological protection of patients at all the CT facilities nationwide.
authors: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Radiological Health, 42-09 28th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA chumo2009@gmail.com.
authors: Geoffrey K
authors: GK
authors: Korir
authors: Radiology Department, Kenyatta National Hospital, Hospital Road, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors: Jeska S
authors: JS
authors: Wambani
authors: National Nuclear Regulator, Eco Glades 2 Office Park, Block G, Eco Park, Centurion 0157, South Africa.
authors: Ian K
authors: IK
authors: Korir
authors: Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA, USA.
authors: Mark A
authors: MA
authors: Tries
authors: Radiology Department, Kenyatta National Hospital, Hospital Road, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors: Patrick K
authors: PK
authors: Boen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000592:standards*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000592:standards*; D012016:Reference Values; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult