CT accounts for approximately what percent of the population dose (per NCRP Report 160)?

CT accounts for approximately what percent of the population dose (per NCRP Report 160)?

• A. 24%
• B. 50%
• C. 15%
• D. 80%

Answer: (A)

CT imaging contributes a sizable share of the population dose from medical imaging because it delivers a relatively high dose per scan while being widely used. According to NCRP Report 160, CT accounts for roughly 24% of the total population effective dose from diagnostic imaging. This means that about a quarter of the collective radiation dose from medical imaging to the population comes from CT exams. The combination of higher per-exam dose and substantial, increasing usage explains why CT is a major contributor. This underlines the importance of dose optimization in CT—using appropriate scan protocols, dose modulation, and considering alternative modalities when suitable to keep patient exposure as low as reasonably achievable.

CT imaging contributes a sizable share of the population dose from medical imaging because it delivers a relatively high dose per scan while being widely used. According to NCRP Report 160, CT accounts for roughly 24% of the total population effective dose from diagnostic imaging. This means that about a quarter of the collective radiation dose from medical imaging to the population comes from CT exams. The combination of higher per-exam dose and substantial, increasing usage explains why CT is a major contributor. This underlines the importance of dose optimization in CT—using appropriate scan protocols, dose modulation, and considering alternative modalities when suitable to keep patient exposure as low as reasonably achievable.