Statistical study for Radiation Dose Reference levels of Adult Computer Tomography Abdominal studies in Eldoret Kenya

Abstract

Objective: To establish dose reference levels for the adult abdominal CT scan modality at MTRH, Eldoret Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital and Medi heal Hospital in reference to the international DRLs. Methods: A retrospective study, reviewed CT scans of 700 adult patients conducted in the 4 health institutions from Uasin Gishu healthcare system in a period of 1 year in the year 2021 using systematic and consecutive sampling. The Volumetric CT-dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) length from the various adult CT abdominal scans were obtained. Results: The mean CTDIvol was 8.1 (22.2) and the mean DLP values was 1699.1 (1053.1). Comparison by scan model it was observed that the median for the Total DLP and for the CTDIvol significantly differed by the model with the median for the Neusoft model being highest at 2538 mGy.cm and 10.3mGy respectively while those for the Siemens were the lowest for the two markers at 1318.5 mGy.cm for the DLP and 5.39mGy respectively. These findings were statistically significant with a p value of < 0.001. Comparison by the type of facility it was observed that the median DLP and CTDIvol values were significantly higher in the public facilities at 1668.8mGy.cm and 6.3mGy respectively when compared to private facilities at 1282.4mGy.cm and 5.9mGy with a p value of <0.001.The Local Dose reference level (LDRL) was set as the median value for CTDIVOL and DLP at 6.1mGy respectively. Conclusions: The LDRLs for the adult patients undergoing abdominal CT examination in Uasin Gishu healthcare system were markedly lower than the regional and the international values for the same abdominal CT examination.