Application the protocol automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) for decreasing CT dose index and dose-length product in the CT-abdomen

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients were directed to CT examination than X-ray. In some cases, the irradiation was adjusted to suit the patient's condition, Including the age and weight of the patient. The addition of segments set in a CT Scan, such as the Automatic Tube Current Modulation (ATCM) protocol, made it easier for radiographers to not always change the exposure factors because it automatically adjusted to the condition of the patient. The aim of the study was to evaluate the CTDIvol and DLP values with the ATCM protocol. A total of 40 the abdominal CT examination data with the ATCM and FTCM protocols analyzed based on the CTDIvol and DLP value against weight and age differences. The mean CTDIvol and DLP values from abdominal CT examination with the ATCM and FTCM protocols were significantly different with respect to weight variations, but not for the patient's age variation. The CTDIvol and DLP values with the ATCM protocol were 2% lower than the FTCM protocol. The risk due to exposed to X-rays in patients which lower with the ATCM protocol was highly recommended in an abdomen CT examination. © 2022 Author(s).