Development of a specialised tape measure to estimate the size-specific dose estimate

The risk in computed tomography (CT) examinations is radiation exposure. We aimed to develop a specialised tape measure for determining the size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) for patients undergoing CT scans. The scanning parameters used were those of the abdominal protocol in our institute. With this method, the SSDE₂₂₀ and standard deviations obtained from CT images for the liver, pelvic and lung areas, corresponded closely to the SSDE_tape and standard deviations obtained using the tape measure. We thus devised a new idea that allows the estimation of the SSDE₂₂₀ using a specialised tape measure before the CT examination, allowing for an informed explanation of the radiation dose to the patient. Although the tape measure developed in this study is specific to one particular CT instrument, the method could be adapted to a wide range of radiography applications. (authors)