Validation of a large-scale audit technique for CT dose optimisation.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT) use is expanding, necessitating efficient dose optimization strategies.
• Collecting patient dose data is crucial for comparing against diagnostic reference levels.
• CT scans are high-dose procedures requiring careful patient dose monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and validate a large-scale audit technique for determining typical patient doses in CT examinations.
• To utilize existing radiology information system data for dose audits.
• To assess the feasibility of inferring standard patient dose metrics from extensive datasets.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale audit technique was implemented across four CT scanners.
• Data from the radiology information system were utilized for dose assessment.
• The method was validated against the gold standard technique for patient dose audits.

Main Results:

• The implemented audit technique successfully determined typical patient doses for various CT examinations.
• Results inferred from the large dataset were equivalent to those obtained using the standard-sized patient method.
• The technique proved effective without imposing a significant burden on departmental resources.

Conclusions:

• A large-scale audit using radiology information system data is an efficient and valid method for CT patient dose assessment.
• This approach supports clinical practice optimization by providing reliable dose information.
• The validated technique facilitates effective monitoring of patient doses in high-dose CT procedures.