Table 1.
Typical effective dose values for common diagnostic imaging examinations and annual background radiation per individual in the USA.
| CT* | Effective dose (mSv) |
|---|---|
| Head CT | 1–2 |
| Chest CT | 5–7 |
| Abdomen CT | 5–7 |
| Abdomen and pelvis CT | 8–14 |
| Coronary CT angiography | 5–15 |
| Coronary calcium CT | 1–3 |
| Radiographic/fluoroscopic* | |
| Hand radiograph | <0.1 |
| Dental bitewing | <0.1 |
| Chest radiograph | 0.1–0.2 |
| Mammogram | 0.3–0.6 |
| Lumbar spine radiograph | 0.5–1.5 |
| Barium enema exam | 3–6 |
| Coronary angiogram (diagnostic) | 5–10 |
| Nuclear medicine* | |
| Lung scan | 2–3 |
| Bone scan | 3–5 |
| Heart scan – sestamibi | 13–16 |
| Heart scan – thallium | 35–40 |
| Ubiquitous background (per individual in US population)‡ | 3.11 |