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Regional survey of image quality and radiation dose in computed tomography examinations in Saudi Arabia

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Abstract

This study is the first regional investigation in Najran, Saudi Arabia aimed at investigating radiation dose and image quality of computed tomography (CT) examinations. The survey data was collected from five scanners in four hospitals. For all CT scanners, a correction factor was calculated to measure the weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDI\(_{w}\)) using standard dosimetry phantoms. The CTDI\(_{w}\) were reported in this study and compared with other countries. It was found that most CTDI\(_{w}\) values were close to the European reference levels and in line with the results of similar surveys in the other parts of world. Concerning image quality, 80 % of the scanners were found to be in compliance with the relative international guidelines for all the examined parameters

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  1. http://www.ptw.de/qc_equipment_ct.html

  2. http://www2.unfors.se/products.php?catid=337

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the co-operation of the General Health Directorate of Najran, NUH, MCH, HGH, and KKH and specially the radiographers and radiologist at the different Radiological Departments participating in this study. We also acknowledge the financial support of Scientific Research Deanship of Najran University (Grant No. NU90/12).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiological Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia

    M. K. Saeed & A. S. Alzoubi

  2. College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia

    J. M. Al-Qahtani

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  1. M. K. Saeed
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  2. A. S. Alzoubi
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  3. J. M. Al-Qahtani
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Correspondence to M. K. Saeed.

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Saeed, M.K., Alzoubi, A.S. & Al-Qahtani, J.M. Regional survey of image quality and radiation dose in computed tomography examinations in Saudi Arabia. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 37, 279–283 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-014-0256-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-014-0256-y

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