DEVELOPING DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS FOR CT EXAMINATIONS IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA.

This article focuses on establishing Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) to optimize radiation doses in computed tomography (CT) examinations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Using retrospective data from nine CT facilities, including public hospitals and private diagnostic centers, the study proposed DRLs at the 75th percentile for volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIv) and dose length product (DLP) across common protocols: head (with and without contrast), chest (with and without contrast), pelvic, and cervical spine (c-spine) without contrast. The findings revealed wide variations in radiation doses among centers and indicated that some dose values exceeded international DRL benchmarks, highlighting the need for local dose optimization, quality assurance programs, and professional training. The study provides the first regional DRLs in Addis Ababa, aiming to support radiation protection and dose standardization in clinical CT practices while recommending further dose optimization and expansion of DRL development nationally.