Cumulative radiation dose due to diagnostic investigations in seriously injured trauma patients admitted to critical care

A retrospective review of case notes and radiology records was performed in order to estimate the amount and sources of ionising radiation multiply injured trauma patients are exposed to, during their initial investigations and subsequent critical care admission. Data were available for 431 radiological investigations from 36 patients. Results showed initial emergency department imaging (combined computed tomography (CT) and plain radiographs) contributed 70% of the total radiation dose. Overall, CT scans were responsible for 80% and plain radiographs 15% of the total radiation dose. Plain radiographs performed after the initial resuscitation period contributed the greatest number of investigations but accounted for only 8% of total radiation exposure. Median cumulative effective dose was estimated to be between 16 and 29 millisieverts, resulting in an estimated increased life time risk of carcinogenesis of between 1 in 614 and 1 in 1075 above baseline.