# Monitoring Pediatric Head CT Scan Dose Levels:
## 4 Conclusions  
We surveyed the radiation doses administered to pediatric patients in terms of the CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP). The study's primary goal was to collect CT dose index data from the largest SEHA CT scanner facilities and use them in the establishment of national DRLs. This survey provides a current snapshot of CT equipment technology and CT imaging practices in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Our results indicate that the doses received by different age groups in this region lie well within the guidelines and safety protocol used internationally. The information provided indicates that the SEHA health system in the region offers low doses to pediatric patients, in the majority of cases. This study serves as a local reference and is a starting point for setting radiation dose protocols and national reference levels in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and in the United Arab Emirates. For the purposes of establishing DRLs within hospital networks, the study results will be shared with the SEHA, the Ministry of Health, the Dubai Health Authority, and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR). The awareness of dose variations and associated risks is crucial for reducing radiation exposure. Using consistent imaging protocols and adjusting CT settings according to clinical indications may reduce variations in radiation exposure. Hence, a further investigation of scanning protocol variability, protocol optimization, and assessment of image quality in SEHA hospitals is planned as part of future research plans. A regular review of DRLs and imaging protocols is particularly important in pediatric imaging, where children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of radiation exposure. Adherence to established DRLs and safe imaging protocols can help to minimize the risks associated with pediatric CT imaging. It is important to point out that this study also has several limitations. The data used were obtained from a single hospital in Abu Dhabi. This may have implications for the generalizability and representativeness of the study's findings. However, as the SSMC hospital is the largest and leading healthcare provider in the region, we assume that the results are significant in providing insightful information regarding the radiation dose levels associated with pediatric head CT scans. In summary, it is important to note that while adherence to established DRLs and safe imaging protocols can help to minimize the risks associated with pediatric CT imaging, there are still potential long-term effects that need to be considered. Therefore, it is crucial that healthcare providers take a cautious approach when ordering CT scans for children and consider alternative imaging methods whenever possible. By doing so, we can ensure that children receive the highest quality of care while minimizing their exposure to potentially harmful radiation. Conceptualization, A.A.; data curation, A.A.; formal analysis, A.A.; investigation, A.A.; project administration, A.A.R., A.A. and J.H. ; methodology, validation, A.A. and J.H. ; writing--original draft preparation, A.A. and J.H. ; writing--review and editing, A.A.R. and J.H. ; supervision A.A.R., J.H. and N.Z.N.A. ; funding acquisition, J.H. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. **Funding:** This research received no external funding. **Institutional Review Board Statement:** The current study has been approved by the research committee of the Abu Dhabi Health Service Company (SEHA) with the approval reference number SEHA-IRB-022 dated 27 April 2021. **Informed Consent Statement:** Patient consent requirements are waived for retrospective data collection. **Data Availability Statement:** The data that support the findings of this study are available from the SEHA, but restrictions apply to the availability of these data, which were used under approval for the current study and so are not publicly available. Data are, however, available from the authors upon reasonable request and with permission of the SEHA.