Computed Tomography Procedures and Current Dose Practice Determination in Sokoto State CT Centres

This study evaluates computed tomography (CT) procedures and dose levels across centres in Sokoto State, Nigeria: Usmanu Danfodiyu University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto State Advanced Medical Diagnostic Centre (SSAMDC), and Caliphate Clinical and Diagnostic Centre (CCDC). A total of 150 patient data points were analysed for CT procedures, covering head, neck, spine, thorax/chest, and abdomen/pelvis regions. Dose levels were compared to international Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) to assess draft with the ALARA principle. Results revealed that procedures such as brain perfusion CT (mean CTDIvol 64.21 mGy, DLP 1870 mGy.cm) and myelograms (CTDIvol 63.17 mGy, DLP 1626.50 mGy.cm) exceeded international DRLs (Fig. 6, 7). The study emphasizes the urgent need for regional DRLs and optimized scanning protocols to reduce radiation exposure. Additionally, it recommends adopting advanced imaging modalities like MRI to mitigate over-reliance on CT. These findings are critical for enhancing radiation safety in Sokoto State.