This study assessed patient radiation exposure from chest computed tomography (CT) examinations across three diagnostic centers (A, B, and C) in Abuja, Nigeria. A total of chest 60 CT scan records were retrospectively analyzed, and radiation dose parameters including weighted CT dose index (CTDIw), dose length product (DLP), and effective dose were evaluated. Technical factors such as tube current (mAs), tube voltage (kVp), pitch, and patient body weight were also collected to determine their influence on dose variations. The mean CTDIw values were 5.49, 5.88, and 7.42 mGy.cm for Centers A, B, and C, respectively, while the corresponding DLP values were 271.48 ± 183.2, 253.32 ± 120.4, and 437.16 ± 433.5 mGy·cm. Effective doses to the chest were 4.62, 4.31, and 7.43 mSv. Centers A and B demonstrated relatively optimized protocols, whereas Center C consistently reported higher radiation metrics. Technical and demographic data revealed higher mAs (220 ± 35), tube voltage (120 kVp), lower pitch (0.9), and higher mean body weight (78 ± 12 kg) in Center C compared with Centers A and B, accounting for its higher dose indices. Compared with international benchmarks, results from Centers A and B were consistent with European and Turkish diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), while Center C exceeded some international thresholds but remained within Nigerian DRL frameworks. These findings highlight the influence of patient and technical factors on dose variation and emphasize the need for protocol harmonization to optimize patient safety without compromising diagnostic quality.
Yemisi et al. (Tue,) studied this question.