Computed Tomography Technologist Practice Exam 2025 - Free CT Technologist Practice Questions and Study Guide

To calculate the Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI), the scan characteristics must include contiguous slices. This is crucial because CTDI is a measure of the radiation dose delivered to a specific volume of tissue during a CT scan. The contiguous slicing technique ensures that the slices are closely packed without any gaps, which provides a more accurate representation of the radiation dose absorbed by the patient across a defined section of anatomy.

Additionally, contiguous slices allow for a consistent evaluation of dose in a standardized manner. When slices are contiguous, it ensures uniformity in how the dose is measured, leading to a better assessment of the overall exposure. This is particularly important in establishing safe and effective imaging protocols, as variances in slice overlap can impact the dose calculations significantly.

Conversely, intermittent slices or variable patient positioning do not provide a consistent dataset for calculating CTDI, and dynamic scanning parameters can complicate dose calculations by introducing variability that is not accounted for in standard CTDI assessments.