Automated calculation of radiation doses and radiation risks during computed tomography: advantages and limitations of the programs used

The increasing number of computed tomography examinations is associated with growing collective medical radiation exposure and the number of unjustified imaging referrals, highlighting the importance of rapid automated tools for assessing patient radiation risks. Purpose is to analyze the capabilities of application programs for automated calculation of radiation doses and radiation risk during computed tomography. Materials and Methods: A comparative analysis of seven software programs designed to calculate the effective radiation dose during computed tomography was conducted. For each program, the input and output parameters, dose calculation algorithms, coefficients used, and ease of use were analyzed. A comparison of the calculated doses and radiation risk levels for computed tomography of the head, thorax and abdomen was performed. Results and Discusiion: Analyzed programs are grouped into three clusters: 1) determining only the effective dose; 2) calculating organ doses and the effective dose; 3) calculating the effective dose and radiation risks. Programs in cluster 1 estimate only the effective dose using coefficients for the selected anatomical region. Programs in cluster 2 provide a more accurate estimate of the effective dose, as the calculation is based on organ doses and takes into account scanning parameters. Programs in cluster 3 provide the most accurate results; they also calculate radiation risk levels and generate reports on series. The spread of effective dose values between different programs for the same anatomical regions is up to 30–40%, due to the use of different methods and standard coefficients. All of the programs reviewed take into account the doses accumulated during various medical diagnostic procedures, and not all of them provide recommendations on the use of radiation diagnostic methods for a specific patient. Conclusion: The use of automated calculation software facilitates the assessment of radiation doses during computed tomography scans and patient radiation risk levels. Existing solutions are limited by the lack of integration with radiation registries and the inability to account for the total radiation doses of patients employed at radiation facilities for diagnostic purposes and in professional settings, which remains a pressing issue in the field of radiation hygiene and radiation safety.

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