1. IAEA survey of paediatric computed tomography practice in 40 countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa: procedures and protocols.
- Author
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Vassileva J, Rehani MM, Applegate K, Ahmed NA, Al-Dhuhli H, Al-Naemi HM, Al Suwaidi JS, Arandjic D, Beganovic A, Benavente T, Dias S, El-Nachef L, Faj D, Gamarra-Sánchez ME, Aguilar JG, Gershan V, Gershkevitsh E, Gruppetta E, Hustuc A, Ivanovic S, Jauhari A, Kharita MH, Kharuzhyk S, Khelassi-Toutaoui N, Khosravi HR, Kostova-Lefterova D, Kralik I, Liu L, Mazuoliene J, Mora P, Muhogora W, Muthuvelu P, Nikodemova D, Novak L, Pallewatte AS, Shaaban M, Shelly E, Stepanyan K, Teo EL, Thelsy N, Visrutaratna P, Zaman A, and Zontar D
- Subjects
- Africa epidemiology, Asia epidemiology, Europe epidemiology, Health Care Surveys, Humans, Latin America epidemiology, Radiation Dosage, Health Services Accessibility statistics & numerical data, Pediatrics statistics & numerical data, Practice Patterns, Physicians' statistics & numerical data, Radiation Protection statistics & numerical data, Tomography, X-Ray Computed statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Objective: To survey procedures and protocols in paediatric computed tomography (CT) in 40 less resourced countries., Methods: Under a project of the International Atomic Energy Agency, 146 CT facilities in 40 countries of Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America responded to an electronic survey of CT technology, exposure parameters, CT protocols and doses., Results: Modern MDCT systems are available in 77 % of the facilities surveyed with dedicated paediatric CT protocols available in 94 %. However, protocols for some age groups were unavailable in around 50 % of the facilities surveyed. Indication-based protocols were used in 57 % of facilities. Estimates of radiation dose using CTDI or DLP from standard CT protocols demonstrated wide variation up to a factor of 100. CTDI(vol) values for the head and chest were between two and five times those for an adult at some sites. Sedation and use of shielding were frequently reported; immobilisation was not. Records of exposure factors were kept at 49 % of sites., Conclusion: There is significant potential for improvement in CT practice and protocol use for children in less resourced countries. Dose estimates for young children varied widely. This survey provides critical baseline data for ongoing quality improvement efforts by the IAEA.
- Published
- 2013
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