Abstract:
Objective: This study aims to systematically measure and analyze the radiation dose distribution in the abdomen and specific areas of interest on the body surface during abdominal CT scans using a dose simulation phantom, providing relevant data to assess patient radiation risks and to develop personalized radiation protection strategies. Methods: The study simulated routine clinical abdominal CT scans using a dose simulation phantom. A total of 42 tissue detection points and 8 surface points on the phantom were selected to represent the major organs in the trunk and key areas of concern on the body surface. RGD-3B thermoluminescence measuring instrument was used to measure the dose level of the main organs and the key parts of the body surface. Results: Analysis of the experimental data from the dose simulation phantom indicated that the stomach received the highest radiation dose, at 15.9 mGy, followed by the kidneys and pancreas, at 15.7 and 14.4 mGy, respectively. The doses for the adrenal glands, gallbladder, and left lobe of the liver were 14.3, 13.2, and 12.9 mGy, respectively. All other areas received doses less than 6.9 mGy. Surface area dose measurements showed that the left eye lens received a dose of 0.017 mGy, while the right eye lens received 0.029 mGy. The dose to the thyroid was 0.062 mGy on the left side and 0.057 mGy on the right side. The doses to the left and right breasts were 1.71 and 1.58 mGy, respectively. The gonads received doses of 0.145 mGy on the left side and 0.090 mGy on the right side. The skin entry dose at the lower edge of the breast, which is close to the skin during CT scans, was between 1 and 2 mGy. Conclusion: During an abdominal CT scan, the stomach, kidneys and pancreas receive the highest radiation doses. Although the radiation dose of sensitive areas on the body surface is lower, the amount of radiation in the thyroid, gonads and lens is still higher than that in other surface tissues. These findings suggest that workers may need further protection in specific high-dose areas to reduce potential radiation hazards.