Diagnostic reference levels for adult computed tomography at the University Hospital Center of Marrakech (Morocco)

Abstract

In this research, the diagnostic reference level (DRL) for routine computer tomography (CT) exams at the Arrazi Hospital of the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center (Med VI UHC) in Marrakech, Morocco, was established. The DRL for routine CT scans was derived through prospective research. Based on recommendation for computing DRL by various international legal organisations, we took into account the CT Volume Dose Index CTDIvol (mGy) and the Dose-Length Product DLP (mGy.cm) as dosimetric quantities. The statistics calculated of the CTDIvol and DLP 75th percentiles were suggested as DRLs. The DRLs obtained for the head, chest-abdomen-pelvis (CAP), chest, and abdomen were 39 mGy, 8 mGy, 11 mGy, 9 mGy, and 1445 mGy.cm, 825 mGy.cm, 700 mGy.cm, and 788 mGy.cm, respectively. When compared to the published values, the DRLs found in the present search are more elevated.