Calculation and optimization of radiation doses resulting from CT examinations. Methodology, problems, approaches to problem resolution

The high radiation exposure of patients examined by computed tomography, the radiation risks involved and the steadily increasing numbers of CT systems and CT examinations in Germany are the reasons calling for consistent measuring, comparative assessment and optimization of the radiation doses received by the patients in CT examinations. Ways and means of measurement and optimization are discussed in great detail, and remaining problems are addressed, a major task being to build a system of reference values. (orig./CB)