Trends and evolution in computed tomography radiation dose from 2018 and 2023: a Swiss perspective of the medical radiation exposure^*

This study analysed computed tomography (CT) radiation dose trends in Switzerland from 2018 and 2023 with the aim to update the CT dose estimation for the 2023 national survey on radiation exposure of the Swiss population. Data from eight major healthcare providers, including all five Swiss university hospitals, were collected for nine key anatomical regions. The analysis showed large variability in dose length product changes, ranging from −55% to +30.2% across anatomical regions and providers. Most regions exhibited dose reductions, with the largest decreases in the hip (−15.4%) and pelvis (−11.4%), whereas the spine showed the greatest dose increase (+6.6%). The statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between university hospitals and other healthcare providers.