Optimizing patient safety: an evaluation of computed tomography dose-length product variations across hospitals in Abuja, Nigeria

The increasing use of computed tomography (CT) as a diagnostic tool in Nigeria raises concerns about high radiation doses and potential cancer risk. To address this concern, CT dose-length product (DLP) was evaluated at ten hospitals in Abuja, Nigeria, using polymethyl methacrylate phantoms, a 100 mm pencil ionization chamber, an electrometer, and a CT probe. The study assessed variations in radiation dose across the facilities by measuring DLP in mGy.cm for chest and head phantoms. Chest phantom DLP values ranged from 79.36 ± 0.001 mGy.cm at Hospital H to 677.40 ± 0.01 mGy.cm at Hospital D. Head phantom values ranged from 230.14 ± 0.004 mGy.cm at Hospital A to 1165.73 ± 0.3 mGy.cm at Hospital I. Most facilities recorded DLP values below the European diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) used for comparison. However, Hospital D exceeded the chest reference level of 650 mGy.cm, while Hospitals E and I exceeded the head reference level of 1050 mGy.cm. These findings indicate substantial variation in scanning protocols among the facilities. The study recommends routine quality control, equipment calibration, standardized protocols, and refresher training for CT operators to ensure doses administered to patients are As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.