What is the standard measurement unit for exposure to patients in CT?

The standard measurement unit for exposure to patients in computed tomography (CT) is milligray (mGy). This unit specifically quantifies the dose of radiation that is absorbed by the body, which is crucial for evaluating the potential risk associated with the procedure. The Gray (Gy) is the SI unit for absorbed dose, and since CT doses are typically within a lower range, the milligray (1 mGy = 0.001 Gy) is commonly used to present these values in a more manageable way for clinical contexts.

In CT imaging, understanding radiation dose is essential for patient safety and for comparing doses across different imaging modalities. Using mGy allows healthcare professionals to communicate more effectively about dose ranges and limits.

Sieverts, on the other hand, measure the biological effect of radiation and are not specific to exposure measurement itself. Roentgens refer to a unit of exposure that historically relates to X-rays and gamma rays, and while it provides a measure of exposure in air, it is not the standard for patient dose in CT. Overall, milligray is the recognized standard for specifying the absorbed dose received by patients undergoing CT scans.