上海市4家儿童医院的儿童CT剂量分析

目的通过对上海市儿童CT扫描受检者剂量参数的调查, 探讨上海地区儿童CT扫描剂量分布情况, 并为建立上海地区儿童受检者CT检查诊断参考水平提供依据。方法 2021年在上海地区全部4家儿童医院开展儿童头颅、胸部、腹部CT扫描受检者剂量普查, 调查对象按年龄0～、1～、5～、10～15岁分为4个年龄组, 每个年龄组调查30例, 收集受检者基本信息、CT扫描参数、容积CT剂量指数(CTDIvol)和剂量长度乘积(DLP)等剂量指标, 分析同一部位不同年龄组之间和同一部位同一年龄组不同医院之间CTDIvol、DLP的差异。结果头颅CT扫描时, 0～、1～、5～、10～15岁组儿童CTDIvol和DLP的75%位数分别为25、25、28、43 mGy和402、477、504、752 mGy·cm;胸部CT扫描时, 0～、1～、5～、10～15岁组儿童CTDIvol和DLP的75%位数分别为2.7、2.2、2.8、5.4 mGy和40、48、75、176 mGy·cm;腹部CT扫描时, 0～、1～、5～、10～15岁组儿童CTDIvol和DLP的75%位数分别为4.9、4.4、8.2、12 mGy...     

儿童肺部CT曝光参数及其辐射剂量的比较分析

目的优化儿童肺部CT曝光参数，减少其辐射危害。方法对疑有肺部病变的儿童及青少年210例，降低曝光量行肺部CT扫描，以肺部支气管分叉层面的胸廓前后径和横径线长的平均值为依据，以儿童常规曝光量的70％为起始扫描剂量，逐次减少曝光量10mAs，观察其成像质量，直至图像质量良好，符合诊断的要求，并分析其曝光量mAs和单次扫描的CT剂量加权指数CTDIW及剂量长度乘积DLP。结果与儿童常规肺部曝光量200mAs相比，不同肺部发育的个体，其肺部CT曝光量可降低到其常规曝光量的45％～80％，单次扫描的CT剂量加权指数CTDIW及剂量长度乘积DLP均可降至27．45％～80％。结论根据儿童胸部个体发育差异，适当地降低曝光量，可以有效地降低其辐射剂量，减少其辐射危害。     

辐射剂量对头颅CT扫描图像质量的影响

目的 :探讨不同辐射剂量行颅脑CT扫描对影像质量的影响。方法 :8例正常男性志愿者用 110～ 14 0kV ,180～ 36 0mAs分四组行轴位平扫 ;各影像按颗粒均匀性、脑灰白质细节、界面清晰度和有无射线硬化等积分评定质量。结果 :共扫描 192次 ,12 0kV、2 40mAs以上组影像质量均达优良 ;130kV、30 0mAs以上组优片率更高。结论 :采用适当辐射剂量 ( >12 0kV、2 40mAs)行颅脑CT扫描能提高密度分辨力 ,增加SNR ,改善影像质量     

对比分析容积CT剂量指数与体型特异性的剂量评估在估算腹部CT扫描辐射剂量中的差异

目的 比较容积CT剂量指数(CTDI_vol)及体型特异性剂量评估(SSDE)在估算腹部CT扫描时患者所受辐射剂量的差异。方法 采用Philips 256螺旋CT扫描仪对180例患者进行上腹部CT增强扫描,在左肾静脉主干层面测量每例患者的左右径(LAT)、前后径(AP),计算有效直径(ED),同时记录每例被检者的CTDI_vol值及体模的扫描直径,计算SSDE。将患者按照体质量指数(BMI)分为3组:A组,BMI<20.0 kg/m²;B组,BMI介于20.0~24.9 kg/m²之间;C组,BMI>24.9 kg/m²。分别比较180例被检者及不同体质量指数组CTDI_vol与SSDE之间的差异。结果180例被检者CTDI_vol和SSDE分别为(9.91±2.91)和(14.01±2.82)mGy,差异有统计学意义(t=-13.354, P<0.01)。A组CTDI_vol和SSDE分别为(7.96±1.83)和(12.83±2.52)mGy (t=-8.417, P<0.01);B组分别为(9.28±1.76)和(13.62±2.18)mGy(t=-15.051,P<0.01);C组分别为(12.19±3.65)和(15.39±3.47)mGy(t=-4.535,P<0.01)。此外,3组SSDE分别较CTDI_vol平均增加了62.83%、 47.80%和28.40%,即CTDI_vol过低估算被检者的辐射剂量,且随着体质量指数的增加,CTDI_vol与SSDE之间的差值越小。结论 SSDE能够反映特定体型的被检者进行腹部CT扫描时所接受的辐射剂量。     

减少CT扫描辐射剂量的方法探讨

据资料显示,我国目前拥有CT机1万余台,螺 旋CT约2600台,每天多达十几万人接受CT检 查,上世纪80年代后期接受X线诊断检查的统计 为每年150人次/千人[1]。我院2台CT每天平均 检查约60人次。由于CT使用的放射源为X线,它 在给临床带来益处的同时,也不可避免地对病人及 CT工作者带来辐射危害。射线作为一种基因毒素 可以诱发组织的细胞凋亡[2],还可以严重地影响人 类的遗传性,使受辐射的人群及其子女的寿命缩 短[3]。据ICRP(国际辐射防护委员会)公布的数字, 人体接受1mSv的辐射曝光量时发生癌变的危险性 为百万分之五十[4],ICRP在1990…     

儿童先天性心脏病双源CT胸部增强扫描剂量分析

目的 分析儿童先天性心脏病接受双源CT扫描时辐射剂量.方法 70例患儿,年龄1个月至8岁,均接受双源CT胸部增强扫描.将患儿按年龄分为＜1岁组(44例)、1～5岁组(14例)、＞5岁组(12例),使用方差分析比较3个年龄组的双源CT检查辐射剂量,再使用SNK检验两两组间差异;使用多元线性回归分析剂量长度乘积(DLP)与年龄、体重、管电压、管电流、螺距、扫描层数间的关系.结果 70例患儿双源CT辐射剂量为DLP=(144.46±74.07)mGy·cm,有效剂量(ED)=(4.68±2.34)mSv.3个年龄组DLP均不完全相同[＜1岁组(104.00±56.26)mGy·cm,1～5岁组(199.00±76.22)mGy·cm,＞5岁组(208.00±73.87)mGy·cm,F=8.26,P=0.0009],＜1岁组与1～5岁组,＜1岁组与＞5岁组差异均有统计学意义(q值分别为5.21、6.52,P值分别为0.009、0.004),1～5岁组与＞5岁组间差异无统计学意义(q=0.28,P=0.48).3个年龄组ED[≤1岁组中位数为3.20 mSv,1～5岁组为(5.17±1.98)mSv,＞5岁组为(3.74±1.33)mSv,F=0.54,P=0.59],差异没有统计学意义.DLP与年龄(中位数为4.3岁,r=0.541 86,P=0.0008)、体重(中位数为12.1 kg,r=0.563 71,P=0.0004)、管电压[(95.48±6.99)kV,r=0.632 69,P＜0.01]、管电流[(138.55±40.67)mA,r=0.796 08,P＜0.01]、扫描层数[(236.10±46.51)层,r=0.721 92,P＜0.01]均呈正相关,与螺距(0.48±0.03,r=-0.466 93,P=0.0047)呈负相关.结论 1岁以上先天性心脏病患儿接受双源CT检查的DLP显著高于1岁以下患儿,但由于1岁以下患儿的ED系数高于其他各组,各年龄组ED差异无统计学意义.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the radiation dose from enhanced dual-source computed Tomography(DSCT) scan on children with congenital heart disease(CHD). Methods Seventy children with CHD, age from 1 month to 8 years old, were scanned with enhanced DSCT. Children were divided by age into ＜ 1 year old group, 1-5 years old group, ＞ 5 years old group. The differences among three groups were tested by F test. Then, the SNK test was used to compare the difference between each group. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the relationship of dose length product (DLP) with the age,weight, voltage, current, pitch and scan sheet. Results The average value of DLP was (144.46 ±test showed statistical differences of DLP between ＜ 1 year old group and 1-5 years old group, and between ＜1 year old group and ＞5 years old group(q =5.21,6.52,P =0.009,0.004). The difference of DLP between 1-5 years old group and ＞ 5 years old group did not reach significant ( q = 0.28, P = 0.48 ). The differences of ED was not statistically significant among the three groups [＜ 1 year 3.20 mSv, 1-5 years (5.17 ± 1.98 ) mSv, ＞ 5 years ( 3.74 ± 1.33 ) mSv, F = 0.54, P = 0.59]. DLP was positively correlated with age (4.3 years,r = 0.541 86, P = 0.0008 ), weight ( 12.1 kg, r = 0.563 71, P = 0.0004 ), voltage [(95.48±6.99) kV,r =0.632 69, P＜0.01], current [(138.55±40.67) mA,r =0.796 08, P＜0.0001] and scan sheet (236.10 ±46.51 ,r = 0.721 92, P ＜ 0.01 ). DLP was negative correlated with pitch (0.48 ± 0.03,r = - 0.466 93, P = 0.0047 ). Conclusion Higher DLP was observed in children over 1 year old under enhanced DSCT scan, but ED was not statistically significant among the three groups due to the higher K value in the children under 1 year old.     

对12台CT机的扫描工作量及所致受检者集体剂量的估算

Ｔ检查被认为是从１８９５年伦琴发现Ｘ射线以来,在Ｘ射线诊断方面的最大突破,倍受医务界,尤其是放射学专家的高度重视和评价,目前已在临床上得到了广泛应用,受检人数正逐年增多。但ＣＴ检查所致受检者的加权剂量均高于相应部位常规Ｘ射线摄影检查的加权剂量［１,２...     

儿童CT检查中扫描参数的优化

目的 了解儿童CT检查扫描条件选择及其所致辐射剂量的相关性,以期通过适当调节mAs、扫描长度等参数,降低儿童CT检查患者受照剂量。方法 比较江苏省7家医院不同年龄组（<1岁、1~5岁、6~10岁和11~15岁）儿童头颅、胸部、腹部多排螺旋CT检查主要扫描参数的差异。选用相同的检查参数在TM160剂量模体上测量CTDI₁₀₀,计算DLP,并通过经验加权因子,估算出不同部位检查的有效剂量（E）。对mAs、扫描长度和DLP进行多元线性回归分析,比较两家典型医院由于选择扫描条件不同所导致的剂量差异。结果 儿童头颅、胸部、腹部CT检查所致患者的有效剂量均值分别为2.46、5.69、11.86 mSv,各部位检查DLP与mAs、扫描长度均呈正相关（r=0.81、0.81、0.92,P<0.05）。较高的mAs选择,致使本研究各年龄组儿童胸腹部CT检查有效剂量是德国Galanski等研究的1.2~3.0倍;B医院各年龄组腹部检查选择了较高的扫描长度,以致其所致有效剂量均高于本研究均值。结论 建议通过合理优化儿童不同部位CT检查mAs、扫描长度等扫描参数,降低受检者所受辐射风险。     

成年人CT扫描中辐射剂量和诊断参考水平的探讨

目的 通过全国范围内CT辐射剂量的调查,了解成年人辐射剂量的现状,进而探讨成年人CT的诊断参考水平不符,需要根据我国的实际建立自己的DRL。方法 2015年9月至2016年3月在全国30个省、自治区、直辖市调查168家医院,其中三级和二级医院各约占一半。随机调查年度状态检测合格的168台CT,包括了临床应用中普遍使用的品牌和型号。每台CT收集头颅、鼻窦、颈部、胸部、腹部、盆腔、腰椎、尿路造影、冠状动脉CT血管造影（CTA）、颅脑CTA、颈部CTA和胸腹CTA共12个检查项目、每个项目10个随机病例。以容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）和剂量长度乘积（DLP）作为剂量参量,每个检查项目的所有数据按照大小排序,取25%、50%和75%位数,其中75%位数为参考水平。所得剂量数值与国际相关放射防护组织发布的DRL进行比较。结果 共收集16 244个标准体型成年病例的剂量数据,经逐一检查剔除274个无效数据,剩余15 970个病例数据。全国范围内不同的CT使用单位,同一检查项目的CTDI_vol、DLP和扫描期项都有很大差异。与国际放射防护组织发布的数据相比,不同检查项目的诊断参考水平的差异程度各不相同,颅脑诊断水平与参考值相当、胸部腹部较低。剂量指数值最大的几种检查项目为头颅、冠状动脉CTA、颅脑CTA和鼻窦。尿路造影的CTDI_vol虽然仅为20 mGy,但DLP却高达2 620 mGy·cm。结论 我国现有的CT剂量水平与国际相关组织发布的诊断标准水平（DRL）不符,需要根据我国的实际建立自己的DRL。     

CT扫描床对受检患儿体型特异性辐射剂量估计方法影响的初步研究

目的 探讨CT扫描床对儿童患者体型特异性辐射剂量估计（size-specific dose estimate,SSDE）的影响。方法 回顾性收集在华中科技大学同济医学院附属湖北省肿瘤医院德国西门子公司SOMATOM Definition AS⁺ 64排128层CT机上行CT平扫的44例患儿,其中头部15例,胸部13例,腹盆腔16例;记录每位患儿的容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）,并通过带及不带床板的方式对不同部位的图像进行勾画,计算带与不带床板的水等效直径（water equivalent diameter,WED）WED-T及WED-NT,最后计算出带与不带床板的SSDE_WED-T及SSDE_WED-NT,并用Bland-Altman软件以WED-NT及SSDE_WED-NT作为参考来比较两种不同的方法所得到的WED和SSDE_WED的差异。结果 包含部分床板会导致WED值会被高估,在头部、胸部及腹盆部分别为0.10%、2.82%及2.54%;而SSDE_WED值会被低估,分别是头部0.06%、胸部2.70%及腹盆腔1.59%。结论 CT检查床板对患儿的SSDE_WED存在一定的影响,在实际应用过程中应给予一定的关注。     

宁夏儿童头颅、胸部CT辐射剂量状况分析

目的 评估宁夏地区儿童头颅、胸部CT检查的辐射剂量水平,为不同年龄段儿童的CT辐射剂量优化提供基础。方法 采用分层整群抽样的方法,实地采集宁夏地区不同市、县、区不同规模医院1~2周内儿童（≤15岁）头颅、胸部CT的扫描参数、容积CT剂量指数（CTDI_vol）及剂量长度乘积（DLP）,计算患者有效剂量（E）值;并将CTDI_vol、DLP的第75百分位数（P₇₅）与其他国家推荐的DRL值进行比较;所有儿童分4个年龄组：<1岁、1~5岁、6~10岁、11~15岁。结果 走访调查39家医院,调查CT设备47台,采集头颅断层扫描1 134例,胸部平扫636例。头颅CTDI_vol、DLP的P₇₅分别为：<1岁：44.2 mGy、456.2 mGy·cm;1~5岁：57.2 mGy、659.6 mGy·cm;6~10岁：61.1 mGy、668.7 mGy·cm;11~15岁：63.6 mGy、849.3 mGy·cm。胸部CTDI_vol、DLP的P₇₅分别为：<1岁：5.0 mGy、89.2 mGy·cm;1~5岁：5.9 mGy、124.8 mGy·cm;6~10岁：6.0 mGy、167.9 mGy·cm;11~15岁：7.1 mGy、235.0 mGy·cm。结论 宁夏地区儿童胸部CT的辐射剂量与其他报道相近,但头颅CT的辐射剂量相对偏高,且各年龄段均存在偏高现象,尤以婴儿患者较著;应加强宁夏地区儿童头颅CT的辐射剂量优化与监管,增强儿科医生、放射科医生的剂量控制意识,提高对辐射相关风险的认识。     

Image quality and dose in computed tomography

Radiation exposure to the patient during CT is relatively high, and it is therefore important to optimize the dose so that it is as low as possible but still consistent with required diagnostic image quality. There is no established method for measuring diagnostic image quality; therefore, a set of image quality criteria which must be fulfilled for optimal image quality was defined for the retroperitoneal space and the mediastinum. The use of these criteria for assessment of image quality was tested based on 113 retroperitoneal and 68 mediastinal examinations performed in seven different CT units. All the criteria, except one, were found to be usable for measuring diagnostic image quality. The fulfilment of criteria was related to the radiation dose given in the different departments. By examination of the retroperitoneal space the effective dose varied between 5.1 and 20.0 mSv (milli Sievert), and there was a slight correlation between dose and high percent of “yes” score for the image quality criteria. For examination of the mediastinum the dose range was 4.4–26.5 mSv, and there was no significant increment of image quality at high doses. The great variation of dose at different CT units was due partly to differences regarding the examination procedure, especially the number of slices and the mAs (milli ampere second), but inherent dose variation between different scanners also played a part. Received 30 August 1995; Revision received 27 December 1995; Accepted 24 January 1995     

Effective radiation dose from semicoronal CT of the sacroiliac joints in comparison with axial CT and conventional radiography

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiation dose given by semicoronal CT of the sacroiliac joints (SIJs) in comparison with axial CT and conventional radiography. The total effective radiation doses given by serial contiguous semicoronal and axial CT, using 5-mm slices, 120 kV and 330 mAs, were determined by measurement of organ doses using an anthropomorphic Rando Alderson phantom paced with thermoluminescence dosimeters. The doses given by conventional antero-posterior (AP) and oblique projections of the SIJs were determined similarly. In a female the total effective dose by semicoronal CT was found to be more than six times lower than by axial CT and 2.5 times lower than the dose use to obtain a conventional AP radiograph, the values being 102, 678, and 255 μSv, respectively. The effective dose by semicoronal CT was only a little higher than the dose given to obtain two oblique radiographs. In a male with lead protection of the gonads the dose by semicoronal CT was four times lower than by axial CT, but higher than by conventional radiography. In conclusion, the effective dose by semicoronal CT of the SIJs is lower than by axial CT, and in females a semicoronal CT implies a lower effective radiation dose that used to obtain an AP radiograph. Electronic Publication     

Paediatric computed tomography radiation dose: A review of the global dilemma简

Computed tomography (CT) has earned a well-deserved role in diagnostic radiology, producing cross-sectional and three-dimensional images which permit enhanced diagnosis of many pathogenic processes. The speed, versatility, accuracy, and non-invasiveness of this procedure have resulted in a rapid increase in its use. CT imaging, however, delivers a substantially higher radiation dose than alternative imaging methodologies, particularly in children due to their smaller body dimensions. In addition, CT use in children produces an increased lifetime risk of cancer, as children’s developing organs and tissues are inherently more vulnerable to cellular damage than those of adults. Though individual risks are small, the increasing use of CT scans in children make this an important public health problem. Various organizations have recommended measures to minimize unnecessary exposures to radiation through CT scanning. These include elimination of multiple or medically unnecessary scans, development of patient-specific dosing guidelines, and use of alternative radiographic methodology wherever possible. Another important factor in excessive CT exposures, however, is a documented lack of awareness among medical practitioners of the doses involved in CT usage as well as its significant potential dangers. This review examines the effects of paediatric CT radiation, discusses the level of medical practitioner awareness of these effects, and offers recommendations on alternative diagnostic methods and practitioner education.     

常规CT 的放射剂量最优化

目的：优化患者CT扫描参数,减少其辐射危害。方法以成人头部,胸部和腹部CT扫描为考察对象,应用CT专用16 cm直径CTDI测量模体,改变kVp和 mAs组合,测量所扫描图像的噪声,高对比分辨率,低对比分辨率等,以此为依据决定图像是否合格,并从合格影像中选出辐射剂量最小的一组kVp/mAs做为最优化结果。结果在噪声,高对比分辨率,低对比分辨率等都合格的情况下,各部位辐射剂量最小的一组kVp/mAs分别是：130/90（成人头部）,110/70（成人胸部）,130/65（成人腹部）。其辐射剂量相对设备预设条件下的辐射剂量下降百分比分别是：25．0％,12．0％和34．3％。结论体模实验证明,合理组合kVp和mAs设置可以在保证图像质量的情况下降低CT辐射剂量,从而为临床实际的CT剂量最优化提供借鉴。     

A review of patient dose and optimisation methods in adult and paediatric CT scanning

An increasing number of publications and international reports on computed tomography (CT) have addressed important issues on optimised imaging practice and patient dose. This is partially due to recent technological developments as well as to the striking rise in the number of CT scans being requested. CT imaging has extended its role to newer applications, such as cardiac CT, CT colonography, angiography and urology. The proportion of paediatric patients undergoing CT scans has also increased. The published scientific literature was reviewed to collect information regarding effective dose levels during the most common CT examinations in adults and paediatrics. Large dose variations were observed (up to 32-fold) with some individual sites exceeding the recommended dose reference levels, indicating a large potential to reduce dose. Current estimates on radiation-related cancer risks are alarming. CT doses account for about 70% of collective dose in the UK and are amongst the highest in diagnostic radiology, however the majority of physicians underestimate the risk, demonstrating a decreased level of awareness. Exposure parameters are not always adjusted appropriately to the clinical question or to patient size, especially for children. Dose reduction techniques, such as tube-current modulation, low-tube voltage protocols, prospective echocardiography-triggered coronary angiography and iterative reconstruction algorithms can substantially decrease doses. An overview of optimisation studies is provided. The justification principle is discussed along with tools that assist clinicians in the decision-making process. There is the potential to eliminate clinically non-indicated CT scans by replacing them with alternative examinations especially for children or patients receiving multiple CT scans.     

Patient dose considerations in computed tomography examinations

Ionizing radiation is extensively used in medicine and its contribution to both diagnosis and therapy is undisputable. However, the use of ionizing radiation also involves a certain risk since it may cause damage to tissues and organs and trigger carcinogenesis. Computed tomography (CT) is currently one of the major contributors to the collective population radiation dose both because it is a relatively high dose examination and an increasing number of people are subjected to CT examinations many times during their lifetime. The evolution of CT scanner technology has greatly increased the clinical applications of CT and its availability throughout the world and made it a routine rather than a specialized examination. With the modern multislice CT scanners, fast volume scanning of the whole human body within less than 1 min is now feasible. Two dimensional images of superb quality can be reconstructed in every possible plane with respect to the patient axis (e.g. axial, sagital and coronal). Furthermore, three-dimensional images of all anatomic structures and organs can be produced with only minimal additional effort (e.g. skeleton, tracheobronchial tree, gastrointestinal system and cardiovascular system). All these applications, which are diagnostically valuable, also involve a significant radiation risk. Therefore, all medical professionals involved with CT, either as referring or examining medical doctors must be aware of the risks involved before they decide to prescribe or perform CT examinations. Ultimately, the final decision concerning justification for a prescribed CT examination lies upon the radiologist. In this paper, we summarize the basic information concerning the detrimental effects of ionizing radiation, as well as the CT dosimetry background. Furthermore, after a brief summary of the evolution of CT scanning, the current CT scanner technology and its special features with respect to patient doses are given in detail. Some numerical data is also given in order to comprehend the magnitude of the potential radiation risk involved in comparison with risk from exposure to natural background radiation levels.     

基于辐射剂量结构化报告的CT辐射剂量分析

目的：应用医学数字成像和通信（ DICOM ）标准定义的辐射剂量结构化报告（ RDSR）,实现CT检查的辐射剂量统计分析。方法利用自行设计的软件,通过检索影像归档和通信系统（ PACS）,获取1230份CT检查的RDSR文件。将相关信息提取后,结合扫描部位建立患者剂量数据库。根据年龄将患者分为成年组（10岁以上）及儿童组（0～1岁,1～5岁,5～10岁）,分别统计各扫描部位的平均容积CT剂量指数（ CTDIvol ）、剂量长度乘积（ DLP）,估算有效剂量（ E）;并计算75％分位DLP值,与诊断学参考水平（ DRL）相比较。结果成年患者组,CTDIvol与DLP值呈中度正相关（r＝0?41）,上腹部增强扫描的E最高,其75％分位DLP值超过DRL60％;儿童5～10岁组的CTDIvol高于0～1岁与1～5岁组（t＝2?42、2?04,P＜0?05）, DLP值与年龄呈低度正相关（r＝0?16）,E与年龄呈中度负相关（r＝-0?48）。结论应用RDSR获得患者辐射剂量是一种简单、高效的方法。随着新设备的普及与区域化医疗平台的应用,RDSR将成为剂量学水平调查及个人剂量记录的主要工具。     

A dose comparison survey in CT departments of dedicated paediatric hospitals in Australia and Saudi Arabia

AIM: To measure and compare computed tomography (CT) radiation doses delivered to patients in public paediatric hospitals in Australia and Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Doses were measured for routine CT scans of the head, chest and abdomen/pelvis for children aged 3-6 years in all dedicated public paediatric hospitals in Australia and Saudi Arabia using a CT phantom measurement cylinder.RESULTS: CT doses, using the departments’ protocols for 3-6 year old, varied considerably between hospitals. Measured head doses varied from 137.6 to 528.0 mGy·cm, chest doses from 21.9 to 92.5 mGy·cm, and abdomen/pelvis doses from 24.9 to 118.0 mGy·cm. Mean head and abdomen/pelvis doses delivered in Saudi Arabian paediatric CT departments were significantly higher than those in their Australian equivalents. CONCLUSION: CT dose varies substantially across Australian and Saudi Arabian paediatric hospitals. Therefore, diagnostic reference levels should be established for major anatomical regions to standardise dose.