การวิเคราะห์และประเมินปริมาณรังสีในการตรวจเอกซเรย์คอมพิวเตอร์ทรวงอกในผู้ใหญ่ของโรงพยาบาลทุ่งสงเปรียบเทียบกับค่าปริมาณรังสีอ้างอิงในการถ่ายภาพรังสีวินิจฉัยทางการแพทย์

Bandita  Klaewthanong

Authors

Bandita Klaewthanong Radiology Department, Thung Song Hospital

Keywords:

CT chest with contrast media, High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs)

Abstract

Background: Chest computed tomography is a radiological imaging modality that provides high-resolution images and is widely used in the evaluation of thoracic diseases. However, it involves relatively high radiation exposure, which may pose risks to patients. Therefore, assessment and control of radiation dose are essential to ensure patient safety in accordance with diagnostic reference levels (DRLs).

Objectives: To evaluate radiation doses from adult chest computed tomography, including CT Chest with contrast media and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and to compare them with established DRLs.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted among patients at Thung Song Hospital between November 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025. A total of 314 patients were included, comprising 308 cases of CT chest with contrast media and 6 cases of HRCT.

Results: The mean radiation doses for CT chest with contrast media during the non-contrast phase, venous phase, and total combined dose were 335.39, 323.26, and 658.66 mGy.cm, respectively. These values were significantly lower than the DRLs of 581, 590, and 1,166 mGy.cm, respectively, (p-value < 0.001). For HRCT, the mean radiation dose during the inspiratory phase was 404.18 mGy.cm, and during the expiratory phase was 94.25 mGy.cm. The mean total radiation dose was 498.43 mGy.cm, which was higher than the DRLs of 300 mGy.cm (p-value = 0.997).

Conclusion: CT chest with contrast media demonstrated radiation doses within the established levels, whereas HRCT protocols require parameter adjustments to further reduce radiation dose and align with established standards.

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