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Abstract

Objectives: To determine regional radiation dose in adults head computed tomography (CT) examinations in Jeddah by assessing the volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) values. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from February to April 2025 across 10 CT scanners from 5 governmental hospitals in Jeddah. Data for 20 head CT examinations per scanner were collected. Dose metrics including CTDIvol and DLP (mGy·cm), were extracted from digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) images. Mean values per scanner and the 75th percentile were calculated across centres to identify the regional DRL. The values were compared with the national diagnostic reference levels (NDRLs) using a bootstrapping method. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (v26). Results: A total of 200 patients derived from the study showed a significant difference in radiation doses across hospitals (p = 0.001). The 75th percentile of the mean CTDIvol and DLP values were 52.69 mGy and 979.19 mGy·cm, respectively, slightly lower than the national average (55 mGy and 1026 mGy·cm). Median CTDIvol and the DLP values ranged from 27.38–60.48 mGy, 485.50–1191.16 mGy·cm, with the highest differences reaching 120% and 145% for CTDIvol and DLP median values. Conclusion: Substantial variation in radiation doses across hospitals were observed, highlighting inconsistencies in scanning protocols. Enhancing technologists' training and regular dose audits are required to comply with the standards of Saudi Food and Drug Authority guidelines as a practice in every hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Article Type

Original Study

First Page

808

Last Page

816

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