A multicenter quantitative evaluation of Organ-specific radiation doses in head and neck CT: A dosimetric assessment using the Alderson Rando phantom

Abstract

This multicentre phantom-based study aimed to quantitatively assess organ-specific radiation doses during head and neck CT imaging using four CT scanner models: Siemens Somatom Definition AS+, Philips Ingenuity, and two Philips Incisive CT units. Thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) were placed at 16 anatomically significant locations within an Alderson Rando (R) phantom to simulate realistic patient exposures. The highest absorbed dose was consistently measured in the superficial thyroid gland, reaching up to 30.41 +/- 2.7 mSv, followed by the parotid glands, corneas, and spinal cord (C1-C2). Notable differences were found among scanners, with the Philips Incisive units generally delivering higher doses to superficial structures, despite harmonized scanning protocols. CTDIw values reported by the scanners deviated by less than 10% from TLD-based measurements, confirming system calibration accuracy. It can be concluded that device-specific optimization and ongoing dose audits are essential to ensure consistent patient safety and minimize radiation exposure during head and neck CT procedures.