“Dose index” is a broad term that refers to various measures used to quantify the amount of radiation delivered to a patient during a medical imaging exam. The different types of dose index include:

CT dose index (CTDI)

Dose-length product (DLP): This is a measure of the radiation dose delivered by a CT scanner over the entire length of the scanned region. It is calculated by multiplying the CTDI by the length of the scanned region. DLP is used to estimate the radiation dose delivered to a specific region of the body during a CT exam.

Entrance skin dose (ESD): This is a measure of the radiation dose delivered to the skin at the point where the X-ray beam enters the body. It is used to estimate the radiation dose delivered during a fluoroscopy exam or interventional radiology procedure.

Peak skin dose (PSD): This is a measure of the highest radiation dose delivered to the skin during a fluoroscopy or interventional radiology procedure. PSD is used to estimate the risk of skin damage or radiation burns.

Dose indices are important for ensuring that patients receive safe and effective medical imaging exams. By measuring and monitoring the amount of radiation delivered during these exams, healthcare professionals can minimize the risk of radiation-related harm to patients.