Variation of patient dose in head CT.

CT dose varies with both equipment related and operator dependent factors. Thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) was employed in two phantoms to investigate the variation in absorbed dose for head CT scans, using a cylindrical head CT dose phantom. Dose profiles were plotted and the computed tomography dose index (CTDI) calculated for a single 10 mm thick slice on 14 CT scanners. An anthropomorphic head phantom was also scanned from the base-of-skull to the vertex using 10/10 mm slices. The absorbed dose measured at the centre of the scan series is reported (Dmid). The mean CTDIw for the 14 scanners was 60.0 mGy, while the mean Dmid was 45.8 mGy. Dmid better represents the absorbed dose in human tissues. The CTDIw and Dmid normalized to mAs varied by up to a factor of 2.2 for the different scanners. Equipment related factors contribute to such variations. However, variations due to operator dependent factors such as the choice of exposure factors, scanning protocol and positioning technique must also be considered. When such factors are taken into account the absorbed dose received by the patient can vary considerably, by as much as 16.2 for lens dose. Increased awareness of the factors influencing CT dose and the standardization of scanning protocols is recommended.     

National survey of doses from CT in the UK: 2003

A review of patient doses from CT examinations in the UK for 2003 has been conducted on the basis of data received from over a quarter of all UK scanners, of which 37% had multislice capability. Questionnaires were employed to collect scan details both for the standard protocols established at each scanner for 12 common types of CT examination on adults and children, and for samples of individual patients. This information was combined with published scanner-specific CT dose index (CTDI) coefficients to estimate values of the standard dose indices CTDI(w) and CTDI(vol) for each scan sequence. Knowledge of each scan length allowed assessment of the dose-length product (DLP) for each examination, from which effective doses were then estimated. When compared with a previous UK survey for 1991, wide variations were still apparent between CT centres in the doses for standard protocols. The mean UK doses for adult patients were in general lower by up to 50% than those for 1991, although doses were slightly higher for multislice (4+) (MSCT) relative to single slice (SSCT) scanners. Values of CTDI(vol) for MSCT were broadly similar to European survey data for 2001. The third quartile values of these dose distributions have been used to derive UK national reference doses for examinations on adults (separately for SSCT and MSCT) and children as initial tools for promoting patient protection. The survey has established the PREDICT (Patient Radiation Exposure and Dose in CT) database as a sustainable national resource for monitoring dose trends in CT through the ongoing collation of further survey data.     

Effective doses in standard protocols for multi-slice CT scanning

The purpose of this study was to assess the radiation exposure of patients in several standard protocols in multi-slice CT (MSCT). Scanning protocols for neck, chest, abdomen, and spine were examined on a Somatom Plus 4 Volume Zoom MSCT (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) with changing slice collimation (4×1, 4×2.5, and 4×5 mm), and pitch factors (1, 1.5, and 2). Effective doses were calculated from LiF–TLD measurements at several organ sites using an Alderson-Rando phantom and compared with calculations using the weighted CTDI. Effective dose for MSCT of the neck was 2.8 mSv. For different protocols for MSCT of the chest, 7.5–12.9 mSv were found. In abdominal MSCT protocols, effective dose varied between 12.4 and 16.1 mSv. The MSCT of the spine may lead to 12 mSv. An excellent correlation between the effective dose as determined by LiF–TLD and the calculated effective dose using the weighted CTDI could be demonstrated; however, a difference of up to 30% (mean 14.3%) was noted. Standard protocols for MSCT as measured in this study showed effective doses of up to16 mSv. Phantom measurement data show a good correlation to estimations using the weighted CTDI. Electronic Publication     

16-slice CT: achievable effective doses of common protocols in comparison with recent CT dose surveys

The aim of the study was to investigate achievable dose levels in 16-slice CT by evaluating CT dose indices (CTDI) and effective doses of dose-optimized protocols compared with 4-slice dose surveys. Normalized CTDI free in air and in 16 cm and 32 cm diameter phantoms were measured on four different 16-slice CT scanners in the Netherlands. All collimation and tube potential settings were analysed. Volume CTDI was calculated for adult protocols for brain, chest, pulmonary angiography (CTPA), abdomen and biphasic liver CT. Effective doses were calculated first using volume CTDI with conversion factors and second from CTDIair values using the ImPACT dose calculator. Average results of the 16-slice scanners were correlated to results of dose surveys with predominantly 4-slice scanners. Statistical analysis was done with Student t-tests with a Bonferroni correction; therefore p < 0.017 was significant. The results of CTDIair and weighted CTDI were documented for all scanners. Effective doses averaged over four scanners for brain, chest, CTPA, abdomen and biphasic liver protocols were 1.9+/-0.4, 3.8+/-0.4, 3.0+/-0.2, 7.2+/-0.9 and 10.2+/-1.3 mSv, respectively. Compared with dose surveys achievable effective doses were equal (p = 0.069) to significantly lower (p < 0.017) for chest and abdomen protocols. For 16-slice spiral brain CT there was a trend of equal doses compared with sequential brain CT in the dose surveys. Thus, with dose-optimized protocols 16-slice CT can achieve equal to lower effective doses in examinations of the chest and abdomen compared with 4-slice CT, while doses can remain stable in the brain.     

A contribution to the establishment of diagnostic reference levels in CT

CT has become the major source of population exposure to diagnostic X-rays. CT dose index (CTDI) and dose-length product (DLP) have been proposed as the appropriate dose quantities for the establishment of diagnostic reference levels for optimizing patient exposure. Dose measurements on 27 CT scanners in Northern Greece involving six routine CT examinations have been performed in order to compare their performance with the currently proposed European reference dose values and to produce a preliminary set of data for the establishment of local diagnostic reference levels. All measurements were performed using a pencil shaped ionization chamber introduced into polymethyl methacrylate cylindrical head and body phantoms. The results revealed significant discrepancies in dose values among the CT scanners, which can be mainly attributed to variations in the examination protocols and the different kinds of scanners. Significant overdosing compared with the European reference levels has not been observed, with the exception of the routine head examination, where 47% of the scanners exceeded the corresponding CTDI(w) value. CT scans in the trunk region result in the higher effective doses, which can reach estimated maximal values of the order of 15 mSv.     

A PC program for estimating organ dose and effective dose values in computed tomography

Dose values in CT are specified by the manufacturers for all CT systems and operating conditions in phantoms. It is not trivial, however, to derive dose values in patients from this information. Therefore, we have developed a PC-based program which calculates organ dose and effective dose values for arbitrary scan parameters and anatomical ranges. Values for primary radiation are derived from measurements or manufacturer specifications; values for scattered radiation are derived from Monte Carlo calculations tabulated for standard anthropomorphic phantoms. Based on these values, organ doses can be computed by the program for arbitrary scan protocols in conventional and in spiral CT. Effective dose values are also provided, both with ICRP 26 and ICRP 60 tissue-weighting coefficients. Results for several standard CT protocols are presented in tabular form in this paper. In addition, potential for dose reduction is demonstrated, for example, in spiral CT and in quantitative CT. Providing realistic patient dose estimates for arbitrary CT protocols is relevant both for the physician and the patient, and it is particularly useful for educational and training purposes. The program, called WinDose, is now in use at the Erlangen University hospitals (Germany) as an information tool for radiologists and patients. Further extensions are planned. Received: 9 March 1998; Revision received: 4 June 1998; Accepted: 4 November 1998     

降低儿童16层螺旋CT检查辐射剂量的研究

目的论证CT扫描参数kVp和mAs与剂量和图像噪声的关系,在不影响临床诊断的基础上,修正并验证一种基于成人扫描参数的安全可行的儿童16层螺旋CT检查的扫描参数。方法利用16层螺旋CT,采用标准CT剂量指数(CTDI)测试仪、100mm笔型电离室,分别测量16cm和32cm直径模体在2mm×5mm准直宽度时不同kVp和mAs的CTDI;采用20cm标准水模,测量单一感兴趣区域(ROI)标准偏差值SD代表噪声水平。以成人扫描参数的不同百分比修正为不同年龄段儿童CT扫描的参数供临床验证。结果随着kVp和mAs的增加,CTDI随之增加,并与mAs呈线性关系;16cm直径模体的表面CTDI要高于32cm模体58%;实际的加权CTDIw值高于CT扫描仪显示的CTDIw;mAs相同时,kVp越高,图像噪声SD值越低,在kVp固定时,随着mAs的增加,图像噪声SD随之减少,当mAs增加到一定程度后,图像噪声趋向平稳。结论在不影响临床诊断的图像噪声水平下,根据年龄和体型特点,儿童16层CT检查mAs可以比成人降低10%～85%。     

Evaluation of retrospective multisector and half scan ECG-gated multidetector cardiac CT protocols with moving phantoms

PURPOSE: We evaluated independently retrospective half scan and multisector mode manufacturer's protocols and compared them with modified acquisition protocols to determine optimal imaging parameters for cardiac scanning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were acquired using two fabricated gated moving phantoms. In half scan mode, the manufacturer's recommended pitch values were compared with adjacent values at different motion rates. In multisector mode, the manufacturer's protocols were compared with ones with different gantry speeds and pitch values at the same motion rates. Weighted CT dose indexes (CTDI) were obtained for all protocols. Gated and reformatted reconstructed images of the moving phantoms were evaluated. RESULTS: In half scan mode, slightly better image quality was observed by lowering the pitch value, but with an increase of 6.3% of the weighted CTDI. Better results were obtained in multisector mode by lowering the pitch value up to 0.2, but with an increase of 14.3% of the weighted CTDI. Optimal images were obtained with the lowest temporal resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Gated moving phantom studies offer the advantage of testing acquisition protocols of complex motions and of helping to establish appropriate protocols.     

Dose estimation with CTDI100, air in computed tomography

Although the principal dosimetric quantity in computed tomography (CT) can be assessed using a pencil ionization chamber with an active length of 100 mm, standard CT dosimetry phantoms of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) , and plates of aluminum, most facilities do not possess the requisites. We present a practical method of estimating CTDI(100, c), CTDI(100, p) and the half-value layer (HVL) from CTDI(100, air), which is measured parallel with the axis of rotation of the scanner to free-in-air. The three data chosen for this method of estimation were as follows: 1) the relation of HVL to CTDI(100, air) per radiographic exposure (mAs); 2) the relation of HVL to CTDI(100, c) per CTDI(100, air); 3) the relation of HVL to CTDI(100, p) per CTDI(100, air). The data were based on the measured values of six CT scanners, so as to avoid dependence on the technical characteristics of a specific manufacturer. The estimated value has a possible maximum uncertainty of 20%, although this method of estimation is practical for dose assessment.     

A film dosimetry system for use in computed tomography

The authors describe a film dosimetry system for use in calculating the surface dose delivered by a CT scanner. Kodak XV-2 film is wrapped around a cylindrical water-filled phantom and the dose distribution is recorded. This system is easier to use than thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) and provides a detailed map of the dose distribution. Comparison with TLD measurements for a variety of CT scanners indicates that an accuracy of +/-15% can be achieved using this system. Dose distributions obtained with several scanners are shown.     

Radiation exposure in multi-slice versus single-slice spiral CT: results of a nationwide survey

Multi-slice (MS) technology increases the efficacy of CT procedures and offers new promising applications. The expanding use of MSCT, however, may result in an increase in both frequency of procedures and levels of patient exposure. It was, therefore, the aim of this study to gain an overview of MSCT examinations conducted in Germany in 2001. All MSCT facilities were requested to provide information about 14 standard examinations with respect to scan parameters and frequency. Based on this data, dosimetric quantities were estimated using an experimentally validated formalism. Results are compared with those of a previous survey for single-slice (SS) spiral CT scanners. According to the data provided for 39 dual- and 73 quad-slice systems, the average annual number of patients examined at MSCT is markedly higher than that examined at SSCT scanners (5500 vs 3500). The average effective dose to patients was changed from 7.4 mSv at single-slice to 5.5 mSv and 8.1 mSv at dual- and quad-slice scanners, respectively. There is a considerable potential for dose reduction at quad-slice systems by an optimisation of scan protocols and better education of the personnel. To avoid an increase in the collective effective dose from CT procedures, a clear medical justification is required in each case.     

Ultra-low-dose coronary artery calcium screening using multislice CT with retrospective ECG gating

The aim of this study was to reduce radiation exposure in multislice CT (MSCT) coronary artery calcium screening using different tube settings, and to determinate its impact on the detection and quantification of coronary artery calcification. Forty-eight patients underwent routine MSCT coronary artery calcium scoring (Somatom VolumeZoom, Siemens, Forchheim, Germany) with retrospective ECG-gated data acquisition. Scanning was performed with a 4×2.5-mm collimation. In each patient data acquisition was performed twice using tube settings of 120 kVp with 133 mAs (protocol 1) and of 80 kVp with 300 mAs (protocol 2). Together with the 80-kVp protocol additional online ECG-related tube current modulation (ECG pulsing) was used. Three-millimeter overlapping slices (increment 1.5 mm) were calculated for each data set. Semi-automated calcium quantification was performed calculating absolute Ca-hydroxylapatite mass. In addition to patient examinations, the radiation exposure for both protocols was evaluated using computed tomography dose index (CTDI) phantom measurements. Protocol 2 showed a significantly lower patient radiation exposure than protocol 1 (0.72 vs 2.04 mSv; p<0.0001). The CTDI phantom measurements revealed a 65% reduction of radiation dose. Calcium scoring results of both protocols showed a high correlation (r=0.99; p<0.0001) for absolute Ca-Hydroxylapatite mass measurements. Using 80-kVp protocols patient radiation exposure can be significantly reduced in MSCT coronary artery calcium screening without affecting the detection and quantification of coronary artery calcification; therefore, this technique should be used with retrospective ECG-gated cardiac CT examinations in patients with regular sinus rhythm.     

Radiation dose evaluation in 64-slice CT examinations with adult and paediatric anthropomorphic phantoms

The objective of this study was to evaluate the organ dose and effective dose to patients undergoing routine adult and paediatric CT examinations with 64-slice CT scanners and to compare the doses with those from 4-, 8- and 16-multislice CT scanners. Patient doses were measured with small (<7 mm wide) silicon photodiode dosemeters (34 in total), which were implanted at various tissue and organ positions within adult and 6-year-old child anthropomorphic phantoms. Output signals from photodiode dosemeters were read on a personal computer, from which organ and effective doses were computed. For the adult phantom, organ doses (for organs within the scan range) and effective doses were 8–35 mGy and 7–18 mSv, respectively, for chest CT, and 12–33 mGy and 10–21 mSv, respectively, for abdominopelvic CT. For the paediatric phantom, organ and effective doses were 4–17 mGy and 3–7 mSv, respectively, for chest CT, and 5–14 mGy and 3–9 mSv, respectively, for abdominopelvic CT. Doses to organs at the boundaries of the scan length were higher for 64-slice CT scanners using large beam widths and/or a large pitch because of the larger extent of over-ranging. The CT dose index (CTDI_vol), dose–length product (DLP) and the effective dose values using 64-slice CT for the adult and paediatric phantoms were the same as those obtained using 4-, 8- and 16-slice CT. Conversion factors of DLP to the effective dose by International Commission on Radiological Protection 103 were 0.024 mSv⋅mGy⁻¹⋅cm⁻¹ and 0.019 mSv⋅mGy⁻¹⋅cm⁻¹ for adult chest and abdominopelvic CT scans, respectively.X-ray CT scanners have made remarkable advances over the past few years, contributing to the improvement of diagnostic image quality and the reduction of examination time. CT scanners with 64 slices, the clinical use of which started quite recently in many medical facilities, has enabled a large number of thin slices to be acquired in a single rotation. 64-slice CT technology accelerated the practical use of three-dimensional body imaging techniques such as coronary CT angiography and CT colonography with an increasing number of CT examinations. The increase in CT examination frequency not only for adults but also for children and the higher doses in CT examinations compared with other X-ray diagnostic procedures have raised concerns about patient doses and safety. An understanding of patient doses requires the evaluation of organ and effective doses for patients undergoing CT examinations, although these dose values in 64-slice CT scans have seldom been reported.One common method for estimating organ and effective doses is dose calculation from the CT dose index (CTDI) or dose–length product (DLP), which are both used as readily available indicators of radiation dose in CT examinations. Organ and effective doses can be estimated from the CTDI or DLP, and conversion factors derived from Monte Carlo simulation of photon interactions within a simplified mathematical model of the human body [1]. Another method is based on measurement using thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs) implanted in various organ positions within an anthropomorphic phantom [2–6]. Although TLD dosimetry is considered to be the standard method for measuring absorbed doses in a phantom, the dose measurement is laborious and time consuming. Hence, we devised an in-phantom dosimetry system using silicon photodiode dosemeters implanted in various organ positions, where absorbed dose at each position could be read electronically. In the present study, we evaluated organ and effective doses with 64-slice CT scan protocols used clinically for adult and paediatric patients undergoing chest and abdominopelvic CT examinations. We compared the doses with published dose values for 4-, 8- and 16-slice CT, and indicated the conversion factor of DLP to the effective dose in each examination of the chest and abdomen–pelvis for 64-slice CT scanners.     

多层探测器CT心脏成像的原理及进展

多层探测器CT技术的迅猛发展使其在心脏血管成像方面取得了广泛的应用,非常有潜力成为一种无创诊断心脏和冠脉疾病的理想工具。理解多层探测器CT心脏成像的原理及影响因素对于优化扫描程序、提高图像质量、降低辐射剂量是非常必要的。     

Single- and multi-slice spiral computed tomography of the paediatric kidney

Single- and multi-slice computed tomography (CT) is regarded as the primary imaging tool in traumatology, both in adults and children. For complicated infectious disease and renal tumours, these techniques are recommended only as secondary diagnostic tools. Specifically, multi-slice CT (MSCT) provides excellent spatial resolution, which is a particular advantage for the evaluation of small structures as they are typical in children. However, MSCT offers more information than is required for diagnosis. Therefore, low-dose protocols are necessary for paediatric examinations. The CT dose-index (CTDI(vol)) should not exceed 2 mGy for newborns, 4 mGy for toddlers, 5 mGy for elementary school children, and 8 mGy for adolescents.     

Hi-ART螺旋断层放疗机MV螺旋CT剂量指数的测量

目的 探讨Hi-ART螺旋断层放疗机MV扇形束CT图像获取过程中患者接受的剂量。方法 用PTWTM30009CT电离室分别在T40017头部和T40016躯干模体中,选择扫描层厚2、4及6mm和改变扫描范围等参数,分别测量加权CT剂量指数,计算相应的剂量长度乘积,并与XVIkV锥形束CT、ACQSim模拟定位CT的结果进行比较。结果 Hi-ART螺旋断层治疗机的CT剂量指数与层厚成反比,剂量长度乘积与扫描范围成正比。临床应用条件下Hi-ART的CT剂量指数在头颈部比XVIkV锥形束CT大,但躯干较小。结论 CT剂量指数能反映患者成像过程中接受的剂量,可以作为治疗保证与控制的指标。图像引导过程中应该合理选择层厚,减少扫描范围,最大限度减少患者接受剂量。     

Strategies for formulating appropriate MDCT techniques when imaging the chest, abdomen, and pelvis in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to formulate appropriate MDCT chest and abdominopelvic CT scan protocols for pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surface radiation dose measurements from a set of anthropomorphic phantoms (nominal 1 year old, 5 year old, and 10 year old) and an adult phantom were compared with standard CT dose index measurements. Image-noise values on axial 5-mm-thick anthropomorphic phantom images were obtained as a measure of image quality. RESULTS: Peripheral CT dose index values obtained with the standard 16-cm acrylic phantom were within approximately 10% of the CT surface dose measurements for the pediatric anthropomorphic phantoms for both chest and abdominopelvic scan protocols. The noise value for the adult phantom image acquired using a typical clinical CT technique was identified, and targeting this level of noise for pediatric CT examinations resulted in a decrease in dose of 60-90%. Initially, 80 kVp was selected for use with very small children; however, beam-hardening artifacts were severe enough to cause us to abandon this option. Current pediatric protocols at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center rely on 100- and 120-kVp settings. The display field-of-view parameter can be used as a surrogate for patient size to develop clinical pediatric CT protocol charts. CONCLUSION: CT dose index measurements obtained using the 16-cm standard acrylic phantom are sufficiently accurate for estimating chest and abdominopelvic CT entrance exposures for pediatric patients of the same approximate size as the anthropomorphic phantoms used in this study. Image-noise measurements can be used to adjust chest and abdominopelvic CT techniques for pediatric populations, resulting in a decrease in measured entrance dose by 60-90%.     

MSCT胸部低剂量扫描对慢性肺部病变的应用研究

目的:比较低剂量及常规剂量扫描对慢性肺部弥漫性病变(范围较广泛者)的显示差异,探讨低剂量扫描诊 断慢性弥漫性或浸润性肺部病变的可行性及合理扫描方案。方法:34例慢性肺部病变患者及4例临床怀疑支气管扩张但 CT扫描未见异常的患者,行低剂量(50mAs)全肺螺旋扫描,14例患者并行常规剂量(195mAs)全肺增强扫描,所有病例 在病变部位加低剂量(50mAs)及常规剂量(220mAs)薄层(2.5mm)HRCT扫描。比较低剂量及常规剂量扫描对病变范 围、分布及病变特征的显示差异。结果:两种剂量全肺扫描(重建层厚7.5mm)图像对肺部病变分布的范围及各种征象的 显示差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);两种剂量的薄层HRCT图像对各种病变征象均可以显示,但是对支气管扩张、蜂窝样 改变、纤维索条及胸膜下线的显示以常规剂量为优(P<0.05),对其它征象的显示两组剂量差异无显著性意义(P> 0.05)。结论:对于怀疑肺弥漫性病变的患者,可以采用低剂量全肺扫描,病变部位加常规剂量薄层HRCT扫描。     

Multi-detector row CT: radiation dose characteristics

PURPOSE: To determine the dose characteristics of multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) and to provide tabulated dose values and rules of thumb that assist in minimizing the radiation dose at multi-detector row CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Weighted CT dose index (CTDI100w) values were obtained from three multi-detector row CT scanners (LightSpeed; GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, Wis) for both head and body CT modes by using standard CT-dose phantoms. The CTDI100w was determined as a function of x-ray tube voltage (80, 100, 120, 140 kVp), tube current (range, 50-380 mA), tube rotation time (0.5-4.0 seconds), radiation profile width (RPW) (5, 10, 15, 20 mm), and acquisition mode (helical high-quality and high-speed modes and axial one-, two-, and four-section modes). Statistical regression was performed to characterize the relationships between CTDI100w and various technique factors. RESULTS: The CTDI100w (milligray) increased linearly with tube current: in head mode, CTDI100w = (0.391 mGy/mA +/- 0.004) x tube current (milliampere) (r2 = 0.999); in body mode, CTDI100w = (0.162 mGy/mA +/- 0.002) x tube current (milliampere) (r2 = 0.999). The CTDI100w increased linearly with rotation time: in head mode, CTDI100w = (34.7 mGy/sec +/- 0.2) x rotation time (seconds) (r2 = 1.0); in body mode, CTDI100w = (13.957 mGy/sec +/- 0.005) x rotation time (seconds) (r2 = 1.0). The relationship of normalized CTDI100w (milligrays per 100 mAs) with tube voltage followed a power law: in head mode, CTDI100w = (0.00016 mGy/100 mAs. kVp +/- 0.00007) x (tube voltage)(2.5+/-0.1) (r2 = 0.997); in body mode, CTDI100w = (0.000012 mGy/100 mAs. kVp +/- 0.000007) x (tube voltage)(2.8+/-0.1) (r2 = 0.996). In all scanning modes, CTDI100w decreased when RPW increased. CTDI100w was 10% higher in head mode and 13% lower in body mode compared with the value suggested by the manufacturer, which is displayed at the scanner console. When deposited power exceeded 24 kW, CTDI100w increased by 10% as a result of use of the large focal spot. CONCLUSION: The authors provide a set of tables of radiation dose as a function of imaging protocol to facilitate implementation of radiation dose-efficient studies.     

Spatial distribution of dose in computed tomography with special reference to thin-slice techniques

The spatial dose distribution in a cylindrical polystyrene phantom with a diameter of 200 mm was measured for seven computed tomography (CT) scanners. The measurements were performed in the head mode and mainly for narrow slices in the range 1.5 to 4 mm. Both radial and axial dose profiles were measured and the dose distribution for multiple-scan procedures was calculated. The ratio between the surface and centre doses for a single scan varied between the extremes of 1.8 and 4.3 and was generally higher for narrow than for wide slices. With multiple nominally contiguous scans the difference in absorbed dose between surface and centre locations in the object decreased, on account of scattered radiation. The CT dose index for centre locations varied considerably between the tested scanners, with a range from 5.6 to 27.2 mGy per nominal 100 mAs. For a simulated multiple-scan procedure, comparable to a CT examination of the orbits, the multiple-scan average dose varied between 4.3 and 16.4 mGy per nominal 100 mAs.