How Relevant is Torso Shielding to Radiation Protection During Head Computed Tomography Procedures?

Abstract

In this work, we set out to find out whether using torso shielding actually helps reduce scatter radiation to the chest during head CT scans in adults. Fifty adult women scheduled for routine head CT scans took part in the study. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were stuck on the central area of both breasts anteriorly. The left breast was shielded with a 0.35-mm lead apron, while the right breast went unshielded as a control. Standard head CT protocols was followed. After the scans, absorbed dose was quantified. Both breasts were evaluated statistically using paired-sample t-tests. Effective dose was estimated using standard ICRP-103 tissue weighting factors.