Congress:
EuroSafe Imaging 2020
Keywords:
Performed at one institution, Not applicable, Calcifications / Calculi, Technical aspects, CT, Radioprotection / Radiation dose, Kidney, Emergency, Physics in Medical Imaging
Authors:
S. Y. Andrabi, C. Martel, J. broder, C. Wald
DOI:
10.26044/esi2020/ESI-05073
Background/introduction
Computer tomography (CT) has emerged as an imaging modality of choice for initial evaluation and follow-up of patients with suspected kidney stones. (1,2) Radiation doses from CT examination remains a concern, especially in young, otherwise healthy patients and those who need multiple follow-up CT exams resulting in high cumulative radiation doses. (3,4)
Efforts have been made to lower radiation doses associated with kidney stone CT (KS-CT) examinations by using low dose CT scan protocols. With integration of new generation CT scanners and Advanced Iterative Reconstruction (IR) algorithms in practice, diagnostically acceptable exams can be achieved at lower radiation doses. (5-9)
Standardization of protocol optimization across institution is challenging and requires continual dose monitoring to assess dose variability across specific protocols on different CT scanners, investigation of dose outliers, protocol modifications as needed and CT technologist and trainee education.(10,11) Assessing performance of technological upgradation and protocol optimization is feasible with automated dose monitoring and many Commercial softwares have been made available and integrated in clinical practices.
In our practice, we started a comprehensive dose reduction model which included protocol optimization congruent to the CT technology/IR algorithm, dose monitoring, investigation of dose variability, further protocol modifications as needed and CT personnel education.
The purpose of our study was to assess the impact of comprehensive approach in reducing radiation doses for KS-CT exams following installation of two 3rd Generation CT scanners in emergency department (ED).