The article summarizes technical and patient-related factors, that affect radiation dose and discusses current dose-reduction methods relevant to CT imaging. The guiding principles for radiation protection in medicine are: Justification: The exam must be medically indicated. Optimization: The exam must be performed using doses that are As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), consistent with the diagnostic task. Limitation: While dose levels to occupationally exposed individuals (i.e.
the radiologist or technologist) are limited to levels recommended by consensus organizations, limits are not typical for medically-necessary exams or procedures. Strategies for Reducing Radiation risk in CT: Fixed tube current: In CT, the tube current exposure time and tube potential can all be altered to give the appropriate exposure to the patient. The tube current is the primary parameter that is…
