A quantity used in radiology, particularly computed tomography (CT), represents the integrated radiation exposure along the scan length. It is calculated by multiplying the dose, typically expressed as Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI), by the scan length. For instance, if the CTDI is 10 mGy and the scan length is 100 mm, the resultant quantity would be 1000 mGymm. This value gives an indication of the total radiation delivered to the patient during the CT examination.
This metric plays a crucial role in estimating the overall radiation risk associated with a CT procedure. It aids in optimizing imaging protocols to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic image quality. Historically, its introduction provided a more comprehensive method for assessing radiation burden than simply considering the dose at a single point. This allowed for better comparison of different scanning techniques and equipment, facilitating improvements in radiation safety practices.