A novel optimisation strategy in CT results in significant dose reductions

Abstract

Benefits of justified CT exams are well documented. - Optimization strategies focus on methods of limiting dose while maintaining diagnostic efficacy. (Haaga J. Radiation dose management: Weighing risk versus benefit. AJR 2001(177):289-91.) - Whatever dose reduction, radiologists must remain confident in diagnosis. (Golding S, Shrimpton P. Radiation doses in CT: Are we meeting the challenge? BJR 2002(75):1-4.) - CT dose reduction strategies have been mainly based on the assessment of image quality in QA phantoms which may not reflect the same quality as seen in clinical images.