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Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for chest radiography, non-contrast head computed tomography and mammography examinations in Nigeria: review of national data

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Abstract

Aims and objectives

To establish the national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for chest radiography, non-contrast head computed tomography (CT) and mammography examinations of adults in Nigeria.

Materials and methods

The study consisted of review of published studies on DRLs in Nigeria found in the internet using Google search engine from 2005 to 2019. Only publications containing substantial parts of the exposure parameters were used for the studies.

Result

For chest radiography, the mean parameters for posterior–anterior (PA) view were, tube voltage 80 (33–100) kV, tube current 30.8 (0.05–100) mAs, film–focus distance (FFD) 140 (62–178) cm, mean entrance dose 2.6 (0.12–7.7) mGy and mean effective dose (MED) 0.05 (0.018–0.16) mSv. For head CT, tube voltage 120 (100–140) kV, tube current 390 (215–550) mA, CT dose index (CTDI vol) 67 (25–88) mGy, dose length product (DLP) 1410 (320–1903) mGy cm and MED 2.8 (1.8–3.99) mSv. For breast mammography, tube voltage 23.90 (20.5–31) kV and 23.80 (20.03–31) kV, tube current 110.54 (60–417) mA and 110.46 (35–417) mA, entrance skin dose 0.83 (0.08–5.36) mSv and 3.12 (0.26–21.26) mSv, and mean glandular dose (MGD) 1.32 (0.02–6.41) mGy and 2.03 (0.07–8.59) mGy for craniocaudal and mediolateral views, respectively. For both breasts combined, the mean entrance skin dose is 2.5 (0.30–5.1) mSv while the MGD is 1.66 (0.31–2.5) mGy.

Conclusion

Patients in Nigeria receive comparative higher radiation doses for chest radiography and head CT but are exposed to lower radiation doses for breast mammography than obtained in the European Union (EU).

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the following persons, Mr. Patrick Madubuko of Department of Haematology Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus and Dr. Okechukwu Oguzie of Military Hospital Lagos who greatly assisted in this study. Mr. A.O. Eze who ensured that this study was concluded. The authors are also grateful to Chief Isaac Asomgba, Mrs Esther Asomgba, Mrs Medline Nwabueze and Mrs Jane Nkechinyere Eze for their numerous assistance that made the completion of this study possible. The assistance of the secretarial staff of Mr AC Daniel and company at Nnewi, Anambra State is also highly appreciated. The authors are also grateful to Mr Ozoemenam Ugochukwu of Department of History and International studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, for his logistic assistance throughout this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (Nnewi Campus), Anambra State, Nigeria

    Kenneth Chukwudi Eze

  2. Department of Radiology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

    Felix Uduma

  3. Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy and Radiodiagnosis, College of Medicine, University of Lagos / Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria

    Olubukola Abeni Omidiji

  4. Department of Radiology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Nkemakolam Kenneth Ibekwe

  5. Department of Radiology,, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maiduguri / University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Bornu State, Nigeria

    Ahmed Ahidjo

  6. Department of Radiology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

    Philip Oluleke Ibinaiye

  7. Department of Radiology, Bayero University, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria

    Ismail Anas

  8. Department of Radiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria

    Ukamaka Dorothy Itanyi

  9. Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

    Blessing Ose-Emenim Igbinedion

  10. Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

    Godwin Inalegwu Ogbole

  11. Department of Radiology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Ikeja Campus, Lagos, Nigeria

    Gbolahan Olusegun Awosanya

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  1. Kenneth Chukwudi Eze
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Correspondence to Kenneth Chukwudi Eze.

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The authors did not receive support from any organization for this work. The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Research involving human participants and/or animals

This is an observational study consisting of a review of already published studies. The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Research Ethics Committee confirmed that no ethical approval was required.

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Informed consent was waived or not required. This study consisted of secondary analysis of already existing data.

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Eze, K.C., Uduma, F., Omidiji, O.A. et al. Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for chest radiography, non-contrast head computed tomography and mammography examinations in Nigeria: review of national data. Chin J Acad Radiol 5, 99–106 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42058-022-00097-3

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