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Dose Reference Card

This document provides information on the approximate effective radiation doses and comparable times of natural background radiation exposure for various common medical imaging examinations. It shows that computed tomography (CT) scans generally deliver higher doses, such as a CT of the abdomen and pelvis delivering a dose of 7.7 mSv, equivalent to 2.6 years of natural background radiation. X-rays deliver lower doses, with a chest X-ray providing 0.1 mSv or 10 days of natural exposure. The document notes that actual doses can vary significantly based on individual factors and imaging practices.

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164 views

Dose Reference Card

This document provides information on the approximate effective radiation doses and comparable times of natural background radiation exposure for various common medical imaging examinations. It shows that computed tomography (CT) scans generally deliver higher doses, such as a CT of the abdomen and pelvis delivering a dose of 7.7 mSv, equivalent to 2.6 years of natural background radiation. X-rays deliver lower doses, with a chest X-ray providing 0.1 mSv or 10 days of natural exposure. The document notes that actual doses can vary significantly based on individual factors and imaging practices.

Uploaded by

alni diniati
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Radiation Dose to Adults

From Common Imaging Examinations


Approximate
Approximate comparable time of
Procedure effective radiation natural background
dose (mSv) radiation exposure
Computed Tomography (CT) — Abdomen and Pelvis 7.7 mSv 2.6 years
Computed Tomography (CT) — Abdomen and Pelvis,
15.4 mSv 5.1 years
repeated with and without contrast material
ABDOMINAL Computed Tomography (CT) — Colonography 6 mSv 2 years
REGION
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) 3 mSv 1 year

Barium Enema (Lower GI X-ray) 6 mSv 2 years


Upper GI Study With Barium 6 mSv 2 years
Lumbar Spine 1.4 mSv 6 months
BONE
Extremity (hand, foot, etc.) X-ray < 0.001 mSv < 3 hours

Computed Tomography (CT) — Brain 1.6 mSv 7 months


Computed Tomography (CT) — Brain, repeated with
CENTRAL 3.2 mSv 13 months
NERVOUS and without contrast material
SYSTEM
Computed Tomography (CT) — Head and Neck 1.2 mSv 5 months

Computed Tomography (CT) — Spine 8.8 mSv 3 years

Computed Tomography (CT) — Chest 6.1 mSv 2 years


CHEST Computed Tomography (CT) — Lung Cancer Screening 1.5 mSv 6 months

Chest X-ray 0.1 mSv 10 days

Dental X-ray 0.005 mSv 1 day


DENTAL Panoramic X-Ray 0.025 mSv 3 days

Cone Beam CT 0.18 mSv 22 days

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) 8.7 mSv 3 years

HEART Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring 1.7 mSv 6 months

Non-Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) 5.1 mSv < 2 years

MEN’S
IMAGING
Bone Densitometry (DEXA) 0.001 mSv 3 hours

NUCLEAR Positron Emission Tomography — Computed Tomography


MEDICINE
22.7 mSv 3.3 years
(PET/CT) Whole body protocol

Bone Densitometry (DEXA) 0.001 mSv 3 hours


WOMEN’S Screening Digital Mammography 0.21 mSv 26 days
IMAGING
Screening Digital Breast Tomosynthesis
0.27 mSv 33 days
(3-D Mammogram)

Note: This chart simplifies a highly complex topic for patients’ informational use. The effective doses are typical values for
an average-sized adult. The actual dose can vary substantially, depending on a person’s size as well as on differences in
imaging practices. It is also important to note that doses given to pediatric patients will vary significantly from those given
to adults, since children vary in size. Patients with radiation dose questions should consult with their medical physicists
and/or radiologists as part of a larger discussion on the benefits and risks of radiologic care.

For the most current information, visit radiologyinfo.org. 02.21

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