Background: Computed tomography (CT) is widely used in diagnostic imaging due to its high speed, spatial resolution, and versatility. However, increased utilization contributes significantly to patient radiation exposure, raising safety concerns, particularly in patients requiring repeated scans. Automated exposure control (AEC) and protocol standardization are strategies proposed to reduce radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic image quality.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of automated exposure control and standardized CT protocols in reducing radiation dose during routine chest and abdominal CT examinations, without compromising image quality.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiology of a tertiary care institution over six months. A total of 120 adult patients undergoing routine CT chest or abdomen scans were included and divided into two groups: pre-optimization (fixed tube current, routine kVp) and post-optimization (AEC with patient size-based tube current modulation, standardized kVp, and restricted scan length). Radiation dose parameters, including CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP), were recorded. Image quality was independently assessed by two radiologists using a five-point Likert scale based on image noise, contrast resolution, anatomical detail, and overall diagnostic acceptability.

Results: Post-optimization scans demonstrated significant reductions in radiation dose. In CT chest examinations, mean CTDIvol decreased from 9.8 mGy to 7.1 mGy, and mean DLP decreased from 420 mGy·cm to 298 mGy·cm. In CT abdomen examinations, mean CTDIvol decreased from 12.5 mGy to 8.5 mGy, and mean DLP decreased from 650 mGy·cm to 442 mGy·cm. All reductions were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Image quality assessment revealed no significant differences between pre- and post-optimization groups, with all post-optimization scans being diagnostically acceptable and requiring no repeats.

Conclusion: Implementation of automated exposure control combined with standardized CT protocols significantly reduces patient radiation dose while maintaining high diagnostic image quality. Routine adoption of these strategies enhances radiation safety and supports best practices in clinical CT imaging.

Keywords: Computed Tomography, Radiation Dose, Automated Exposure Control, Protocol Standardization