Effect of contrast enhancement on CT-Scan doses: Based on survey in 2020

CT-Scan examination for medical purposes makes a 24% contribution to radiation exposure received by humans. The contribution is due to the high intensity of the CT-Scan examination and the large dose given to the patient. In CT-Scan, some procedures require contrast media to observe specific organs and conditions. This study analyzed the effect of contrast media on the dose of Head, Abdomen, and Chest procedures in adult patients. The data were obtained from reporting patient dose data carried out by the hospital through the Patient Dose Data Information System (Sistem Informasi Data Dosis Pasien; Si-INTAN) for January and December 2020. The analysis was carried out to compare the dose range and the average dose of examination with contrast and non-contrast. In this study, the Volume Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDIvol, mGy) and Dose Length Product (DLP, mGy.cm) quantities were used to observe patient dose. The analysis results show that both contrast and non-contrast examinations have a wide dose range that optimizes. Based on the comparison of the average dose, it was found that for the quantity of CTDIvol, there was no significant difference in values for Head and Abdomen procedures. However, there was a significant difference in CTDIvol values on Chest procedures. In the DLP quantity, contrast media increases the dose given to the patient due to the number of phases in the examination. Regarding radiation protection, it is necessary to do a separate optimization for examination with contrast and non-contrast. The National Diagnostic Reference Level (DRL) determination needs to be separated between examinations with contrast and non-contrast to support optimization.