Professional Evaluation of Radiation Dose Optimisation Practices in CT Protocols at Tertiary Hospitals in Kano State

Radiation dose optimisation in computed tomography requires the implementation of evidence-based protocols incorporating automatic exposure control, iterative reconstruction algorithms, and dose modulation techniques that substantially reduce patient dose without compromising diagnostic image quality. At tertiary hospitals in Kano State, North West Nigeria, the current state of CT dose optimisation practice warrants professional evaluation given the high and growing CT examination volumes at these institutions. This study professionally evaluates CT dose optimisation practices at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano State. A professional dose audit is conducted, reviewing CT protocol documentation across twelve examination categories for dose optimisation feature activation status, comparing dose-length product values against European CT diagnostic reference levels for 350 consecutive examinations per institution, and assessing automatic exposure control and iterative reconstruction utilisation rates through structured interviews with 30 CT radiographers. Descriptive statistics and percentage DRL compliance analysis are performed in SPSS. Available CT optimisation literature from North West Nigerian tertiary hospitals identifies absence of iterative reconstruction activation and manual technique override of automatic exposure control as the primary dose escalation factors. The European Commission Radiation Protection Publication 185 CT dose optimisation guidelines and IAEA Safety Reports No. 87 provide the professional reference. Findings are expected to reveal DRL exceedances in 30 to 50 percent of examinations across multiple categories. Recommendations address mandatory CT protocol optimisation review, iterative reconstruction activation across all applicable CT scanners, and regular CT dose surveillance reporting at Kano State tertiary radiology departments. Keywords: CT dose optimisation, radiation dose, CT protocols, Kano State, North West Nigeria.