CT Dose: DLP → Effective Dose — free guideline decision tool
Convert the DLP from a CT dose report into effective dose: pick region and age, then E = DLP × k. For dose communication and QA. Instant, browser-side.
Open guideline tool →Guideline-based
Implements the decision logic from published clinical guidelines.
Runs in your browser
No installation. Enter the patient's values and get a guideline recommendation instantly.
Data stays local
Nothing is uploaded. Results are for licensed clinicians only.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| DLP (mGy·cm, from dose report) | 500 |
|---|---|
| Scan region | Head |
| Age group | Adult |
→Estimated effective dose1.05mSv
- Calculation：E = DLP 500 × k 0.0021 = 1.05 mSv
- k-factor：Head · Adult: 0.0021 mSv·mGy⁻¹·cm⁻¹
- Context：Natural background ≈ 3 mSv/yr; adult head CT ≈ 2, chest ≈ 5–7, abdomen-pelvis ≈ 8–10 mSv (protocol-dependent).
| DLP (mGy·cm, from dose report) | 500 |
|---|---|
| Scan region | Chest-abdomen-pelvis (CAP) |
| Age group | Newborn |
→Estimated effective dose24.50mSv
- Calculation：E = DLP 500 × k 0.049 = 24.50 mSv
- k-factor：CAP · Newborn: 0.049 mSv·mGy⁻¹·cm⁻¹
- Context：Natural background ≈ 3 mSv/yr; adult head CT ≈ 2, chest ≈ 5–7, abdomen-pelvis ≈ 8–10 mSv (protocol-dependent).
Common questions
What is CT Dose: DLP → Effective Dose?
Convert the DLP from a CT dose report into effective dose: pick region and age, then E = DLP × k. For dose communication and QA. Instant, browser-side.
How is CT Dose: DLP → Effective Dose calculated? What is the core formula?
E(mSv) = DLP(mGy·cm) × k. Adult k: head 0.0021, neck 0.0059, head-neck 0.0031, chest 0.014, abdomen/pelvis 0.015. Pediatric k rises as age falls (e.g. head: newborn ≈0.011, 1y ≈0.0067, 5y ≈0.0040, 10y ≈0.0032).
When is CT Dose: DLP → Effective Dose used?
Quickly estimate effective dose (mSv) when reading CT dose reports, doing protocol QA, or communicating with patients.
What are the key clinical points for CT Dose: DLP → Effective Dose?
E = DLP × k (region/age dependent). Adult: head 0.0021, chest 0.014, abdomen-pelvis 0.015 mSv·mGy⁻¹·cm⁻¹. Younger age → larger k (newborn head ≈ 5× adult). Population approximation; does not reflect individual body size or equal personal risk. For individualized dose use SSDE or organ-dose methods.
What are the limits and cautions when using CT Dose: DLP → Effective Dose?
For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
How is CT Dose: DLP → Effective Dose calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
Inputs: DLP (mGy·cm, from dose report) 500, Scan region Head, Age group Adult → Result: Estimated effective dose 1.05 mSv（Calculation: E = DLP 500 × k 0.0021 = 1.05 mSv, k-factor: Head · Adult: 0.0021 mSv·mGy⁻¹·cm⁻¹, Context: Natural background ≈ 3 mSv/yr; adult head CT ≈ 2, chest ≈ 5–7, abdomen-pelvis ≈ 8–10 mSv (protocol-dependent).） Inputs: DLP (mGy·cm, from dose report) 500, Scan region Chest-abdomen-pelvis (CAP), Age group Newborn → Result: Estimated effective dose 24.50 mSv（Calculation: E = DLP 500 × k 0.049 = 24.50 mSv, k-factor: CAP · Newborn: 0.049 mSv·mGy⁻¹·cm⁻¹, Context: Natural background ≈ 3 mSv/yr; adult head CT ≈ 2, chest ≈ 5–7, abdomen-pelvis ≈ 8–10 mSv (protocol-dependent).）
Run CT Dose: DLP → Effective Dose now
Convert the DLP from a CT dose report into effective dose: pick region and age, then E = DLP × k. For dose communication and QA. Instant, browser-side.
Open guideline tool →For licensed clinicians. Not a substitute for clinical judgement.
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